New Delhi, Feb 10: Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu has requested the Union government to include Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in the “bilateral offer list,” a move that would allow international carriers to launch direct flights to major global cities.
Speaking in the Parliament on February 10, Sandhu mentioned that the current operations are restricted because the airport is not yet recognized as a “Point of Call” for foreign airlines. He noted that residents of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh are forced to travel to Delhi for international departures, adding hours to their journeys.
“This is a common demand of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh that new international flights should be introduced from Chandigarh International Airport to London, Singapore, and Vancouver,” Sandhu said.
The MP praised the central government’s recent infrastructure projects, including the renaming of Adampur Airport after Sri Guru Ravidas Ji and the inauguration of the Halwara terminal. He mentioned that India’s airport network has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 163 today, providing a strong foundation for regional growth.
However, he noted that the expansion of cargo handling facilities is equally vital for the economic health of the region. Sandhu mentioned that increasing the cargo strength at Punjab’s international hubs would directly benefit local industries and farmers by providing easier access to global markets.
