Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The long-pending demand for a direct flight between Chandigarh and Nanded Sahib will now depend on the decision of airline operators. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has clarified that airlines are free to determine their routes and network plans based on commercial considerations.
According to the ministry, Chandigarh Airport is currently connected to 21 cities through regular air services, while Nanded Airport offers direct connectivity to eight cities. The clarification came in response to queries regarding the possibility of launching a non-stop Chandigarh–Nanded service.
Officials said the Chandigarh Airport Authority had earlier invited several airlines to start operations on the route and had also sent proposals to various carriers. However, no airline has yet announced a direct service between the two cities.
The ministry explained that after the repeal of the Air Corporations Act in March 1994, India’s domestic aviation sector was deregulated. Since then, airlines have been allowed to independently decide their routes, schedules, and network expansion plans.
Before introducing a new route, airlines typically assess factors such as passenger demand, expected traffic volume, operational costs, and revenue potential. Therefore, the launch of a direct Chandigarh–Nanded Sahib flight will ultimately depend on whether airlines find the route commercially viable and witness sufficient passenger demand.
The clarification is significant for Sikh pilgrims and travelers from Chandigarh and neighboring regions who have been seeking easier air connectivity to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, one of the five Takhts of Sikhism.
