Delhi Airport Operator Challenges Hindon Air Station Flights in High Court

 

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the operator of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport), has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the central government's decision to allow commercial flights from the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad.

Key Points:

• DIAL argues that allowing commercial flights from Hindon will negatively impact:
  • IGI Airport: Reduced passenger traffic and revenue.
  • Jewar Airport: Another upcoming airport in the region, facing competition for passengers.
  • Hindon Air Station: Potentially becoming commercially unviable due to low passenger numbers.
• DIAL claims the decision:
  • Violates the Ministry of Civil Aviation's policy against greenfield airports within 150 km of existing ones (Jewar is within 150 km of IGI).
  • Ignores the fact that IGI Airport's capacity is not yet saturated and Jewar will cater to future needs.
• The High Court has issued notices to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 5th.

Possible Implications:

• If DIAL wins the case, it could lead to the cancellation of commercial flights from Hindon.
• The decision could set a precedent for future airport development and competition within India.
• It raises questions about the government's long-term aviation strategy and balancing regional connectivity with airport viability.

Additional Information:

• DIAL is a consortium led by the GMR Group.
• The Hindon Air Force Station is currently used for military purposes.
• The Jewar Airport is under construction and is expected to be operational by 2024.

It will be interesting to see how the Delhi High Court rules on this case and the potential impact it will have on the aviation sector in India. 

(With input from news agency language)
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