New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said in the Rajya Sabha today that Punjab will be given priority in the expansion of flights in the country. He said 42 international flights operate every week from Amritsar (33) and Chandigarh (9).

The minister said the price of aircraft tickets depends on the season but passengers can benefit from booking in advance.

Replying to supplementaries during question hour, Scindia said civil aviation is an unorganised sector and the government has no control over the expansion of routes as it is dependent on airlines.

He lashed out at the previous UPA government, saying the country will have to see its own interests first. He rejected the allegations levelled by some members that there was no international air connectivity from Amritsar and Chandigarh.

“Amritsar and Chandigarh are connected to seven countries – UK, Qatar, Dubai, Malaysia, Sharjah, Singapore and Italy. He said that every week flights from Amritsar to Singapore, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Tbilisi and Milan go.”

‘No international flights due to Punjab not being included in central policy’

Rahul Bhandari, Principal Secretary (Civil Aviation), Government of Punjab, said that the state was taking up the issue with the Central Government on a regular basis to start more international flights from Chandigarh and Amritsar.

He claimed that both the cities are not included in the ‘Open Sky Policy’ due to which it is difficult to start international flights.

He said that only six metros can be connected for flights under air service transport agreements. Amritsar and Chandigarh do not figure on this basis. He also called for direct flights to Canada and other European countries.

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