Is Air India anti-national carrier, asks HC

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court has observed whether Air India is a national carrier or an anti-national carrier as international flights from the Chandigarh international airport are being struck down one by one.

During the resumed hearing of the case in connection with the PIL filed by Mohali Industries Association regarding infrastructure deficiencies at the airport, the court slammed the central government too, observing that if an international airport has to function in this manner, why not shut it down? The court directed Air India to provide the schedule of all flights. The next hearing will be on Wednesday.

A division bench of Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli further observed why Rs 1,400 crore was spent on the new airport if international flights were to be cancelled. The court observed that first the Bangkok flight was discontinued, while the direct flight from Chandigarh to Singapore is yet to be started. The court asked if there was any hidden agenda behind removing all international flights from Chandigarh one after another. It was also observed that if the Central government had no plan for this airport, why it was started in the first place.

The court said it has been observed that Air India was not taking keen interest in international flights from Chandigarh. It was stated that citing Haj pilgrimage, Air India discontinued the flight for Bangkok.

As far as land acquisition for CAT III and extension of runway is concerned, the court adjourned the matter for Wednesday for its final order. In the last hearing, the court had asked who would pay the compensation for acquisition of .66 acres of land for the project. Punjab has stated that the land falls in UT and it should pay the amount, while the latter has claimed that it’s a joint venture and the compensation should be paid collectively.

The court will also pass directions regarding illegal constructions on Wednesday. It had been argued that illegal structures near the airport were posing a threat to it.

During the last hearing of the case, the court was informed that the increase in watch hours could only happen after March 31, 2019. The IAF is ready to extend the watch hours. The court was informed that runway resurfacing would be completed by March 31, next year.