4 करोड़ का PATHANKOT AIRPORT PROJECT अब तक नहीं ले सका उड़ान

Updated on: 13/03/2025

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Pathankot Airport Awaits Revival: Three Years Without Commercial Flights

Pathankot Airport, developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), has been waiting for commercial flights for the past three years. The airport has been operational since April 5, 2018. However, it has seen no flights since April 5, 2021. Alliance Air’s three-year contract expired on that date. This has left the airport, built at a cost of ₹4 crore, in a state of limbo. Here’s a detailed look at the current situation and what the future holds for Pathankot Airport.

Background: The UDAN Scheme and Pathankot Airport

The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was launched to improve regional connectivity. It aims to make air travel affordable for the common man. Pathankot Airport, owned by the Indian Air Force, was developed under this initiative with an investment of ₹4 crore. The project was funded through the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism, which supports economically essential but commercially unviable projects.

The airport began operations on April 5, 2018, with Alliance Air operating flights on the Delhi-Pathankot-Delhi route. However, after the completion of the three-year contract, the service was discontinued, leaving the airport without any commercial flights.

Current Status: No Flights Since 2021

Since April 5, 2021, Pathankot Airport has not seen a single commercial flight. This has raised concerns among local residents, businesses, and policymakers.

During a recent Lok Sabha session, Member of Parliament (MP) Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa raised the issue. He questioned the government’s plans to restart flights. In response, Civil Aviation Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol stated that airlines can initiate commercial flights on the Delhi-Pathankot route. This decision depends on traffic demand and commercial viability.

However, Randhawa criticized the response as vague, emphasizing the inconvenience faced by locals. He said, “People are forced to travel to Amritsar (124 km) or Chandigarh (258 km) to catch flights. This defeats the purpose of having a regional airport in Pathankot.”

Challenges to Revival

Several factors have contributed to the lack of commercial flights at Pathankot Airport:

Commercial Viability:
Airlines are hesitant to operate on routes that may not generate sufficient revenue. The Delhi-Pathankot route, in its current form, is not seen as financially viable.
Limited Connectivity:
The airport currently lacks connections to other major cities, reducing its appeal to both passengers and airlines.
Infrastructure Constraints:
While the airport was developed under UDAN, it may require additional upgrades to attract more airlines and passengers.

Proposals to Make the Route Viable

To address these challenges, local leaders and stakeholders have proposed several solutions:

Expanding the Route Network:
MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma recently met with the Civil Aviation Minister. He suggested adding Srinagar and Leh to the Delhi-Pathankot route. This would make the route more attractive to airlines and passengers alike.
Promoting Tourism:
Pathankot serves as a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Kashmir. By promoting tourism, the airport could attract more passengers and airlines.
Government Incentives:
Providing additional subsidies or incentives under the UDAN scheme could encourage airlines to resume operations at Pathankot Airport.

How the Airport’s Closure Affects Local Residents and Businesses

The absence of commercial flights has had a significant impact on the region:

Inconvenience for Travelers:
Residents must travel long distances to Amritsar or Chandigarh to catch flights, increasing travel time and costs.
Economic Losses:
Local businesses, especially those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, have suffered due to reduced connectivity.
Missed Opportunities:
The airport’s underutilization represents a missed opportunity to boost regional development and create jobs.

What’s Next for Pathankot Airport?

The future of Pathankot Airport depends on the collective efforts of the government, airlines, and local stakeholders. Here are some key steps that could help revive the airport:

Revisiting the UDAN Scheme:
The government could reassess the viability of the Delhi-Pathankot route. It could also provide additional support to make it attractive for airlines.
Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaborating with private airlines and investors could bring in the necessary resources. These enhancements could upgrade the airport. This would also improve services.
Community Engagement:
Local leaders and residents can play a crucial role. They can advocate for the airport’s revival. They can also promote its potential.

Conclusion

Pathankot Airport, developed with the aim of improving regional connectivity, remains underutilized three years after its last commercial flight. While challenges like commercial viability and limited connectivity persist, there is hope for revival through strategic planning and collaboration. By expanding route networks, promoting tourism, and providing government incentives, Pathankot Airport can thrive once again. This will benefit residents, businesses, and the region as a whole.