International Airport Chandigarh
The International Airport Chandigarh (IATA: IXC, ICAO: VICG) is a civil airport that serves Chandigarh, the capital city of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.
Located near the town of Mohali, it is one of the busiest airports in North India. Opened in 2015, the Chandigarh International Airport has state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to handle domestic and international air traffic.
History of International Airport Chandigarh
The need for an international airport in Chandigarh was felt since the late 1990s, as the existing airport had a short runway and lacked many modern aviation facilities. Being the capital of two prosperous states, there was a rising demand from the people and businesses in the region for better connectivity.
The project, however, got delayed due to issues in land acquisition and regulatory approvals. Finally 2006, construction began on a new site near Mohali in Punjab.
Developed by Chandigarh International Airport Limited, a joint venture company, the airport took around nine years to be completed. 2015, the new international airport was inaugurated, and flight operations started soon after.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Spread over 1100 acres, Chandigarh International Airport boasts of world-class infrastructure. It has a 3.6-kilometer long runway and can handle wide-bodied aircraft like Boeing 777 and Airbus A330. The airport terminal building is designed to take over 1,500 domestic and 500 international passengers during peak hours.
With 18 check-in counters, 10 immigration counters, five customs counters, five security checkpoints, five aerobridges, and 16 parking bays, the airport offers a smooth transit experience for passengers. The design incorporates local architectural styles, artwork, and materials in its decor.
The airport provides WiFi internet, play areas for kids, spas, hotels, retail stores, Exchange bureaus, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, wheelchair accessibility, first-aid and medical rooms.
Dedicated help desks, information counters, chauffeur and concierge services, Lost and Found counters, and Flight Status Display Systems (FSDS) information dissemination further aid passengers.
The airport also has flight catering facilities, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, fueling stations, and state-of-the-art air traffic control.
Being an international airport, Chandigarh Airport has customs and immigration facilities to process international arrivals and departures. Stringent safety standards are maintained through CCTV monitoring, baggage X-ray machines, and security personnel.
The airport also has facilities for private and VIP chartered flights. Parking for over 1,000 cars is available. Public transportation like buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and rental cars provide connectivity to the city center and satellite towns. (International Airport Chandigarh)
Airlines and Destinations
Within four years of operations, Chandigarh International Airport has connected Chandigarh to major Indian metro cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Bangalore. Air India, Air Asia India, IndiGo, Go Air, Vistara and Spicejet operate regular domestic flights.
Air India also operates international flights between Chandigarh and destinations like Sharjah, Dubai and Bangkok. IndiGo recently launched direct international flights to connect Chandigarh with Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
With passenger traffic crossing the 2.5 million mark in 2018-19, Chandigarh International Airport entered the league of fastest-growing airports in India. Per traffic projections, the airport will serve over 5 million passengers annually by 2025 through domestic and international connectivity.
Additional growth drivers include air cargo services for Punjab and Haryana’s agriculture and industrial sectors. Enhanced flight connectivity would also boost tourism in Chandigarh and adjoining hill stations. (International Airport Chandigarh)
Socio-Economic Impact
The new international airport has deeply impacted the socio-economic condition of Chandigarh and the neighbouring states. Due to its proximity, the airport serves travellers from Punjab and Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and western Uttar Pradesh.
With world-class transit facilities, the airport has elevated mobility, convenience, safety and efficiency of air transport. Enhanced connectivity has benefited various economic sectors like agriculture, food processing, textiles, tourism, education and IT services in the region.
For the public, especially the younger generation, this airport has bridged a major connectivity gap with the rest of India and abroad. It has facilitated business investments, job creation, and meetings with clients and partners from other states.
Students from the region also find it easier to travel for their higher studies, examinations, admissions and internships. The airport also handles pilgrim charters and special tourist flights, expanding options for the public.
Haryana and Punjab governments have realized the airport’s potential in accelerating industrial growth in their states. Several infrastructure projects like expressways, metro rails and rapid transport are now planned to connect the airport with nearby cities. (International Airport Chandigarh)
Future Developments
As per the Master Plan in Vision 2040, Chandigarh International Airport has been planned to be expanded in phases, keeping the long-term growth in perspective. More parking bays, contact gates, check-in and immigration counters would be added to handle 10 million passengers annually by 2040.
Land acquisition for Phase II expansion has already started. More domestic airlines and international carriers are being tapped to start operations.
Connectivity to Tier-II cities with flight training and MRO facilities is being envisaged. Cargo handling capability would be augmented for the region’s export potential.
Eco-friendly sustainability practices are also implemented with rainwater harvesting structures and solar power equipment. The airport aims to support government schemes like UDAAN and regional connectivity programs to put Chandigarh firmly on the aviation map of India.
Chandigarh International Airport will catalyze growth, employment and prosperity across North India in the coming years. (International Airport Chandigarh)
Conclusion
In a short span since its inauguration, Chandigarh International Airport has emerged as the gateway to North India. Equipped with modern amenities and progressive vision, it gives wings to Punjab, Haryana and beyond aspirations.
Enhanced air connectivity has led to the creation of jobs, the influx of investments and the filling of infrastructure gaps in the region. It continues to fuel the growth of trade and tourism.
With air traffic booming, the future looks brighter as Chandigarh airport soars to new heights. The airport reflects the ambitions of New India, shining ever more through world-class transit hubs. (International Airport Chandigarh)
FAQ
What is the name of Chandigarh International Airport now?
The official name is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport.
Are there international flights from Chandigarh?
No, currently, there are no direct international flights from Chandigarh Airport. It operates only domestic flights within India.
Is Chandigarh Airport domestic or international?
Chandigarh Airport is presently a domestic airport with no regular international flights. However, it has the status of an international airport.
Which is the closest international airport to Chandigarh?
The nearest international airport to Chandigarh is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, about 250 km away.
Which airlines fly from Chandigarh Airport?
Some airlines operating flights from Chandigarh are Air India, AirAsia India, IndiGo, Go First and Vistara.
Do we have direct flights to Chandigarh?
Yes, major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune etc have direct flights to Chandigarh Airport.
Are there direct flights from Chandigarh to the UK?
No, there are currently no direct flights between Chandigarh and the UK. You have to take a connecting flight via Delhi or Mumbai.
Why Air India doesn’t fly to Chandigarh?
Air India discontinued its Chandigarh flights a few years back likely due to operational reasons and focus on more profitable routes.
Is Chandigarh Airport busy?
It has moderate traffic and is not as busy as other larger airports. But passenger and flight traffic has been increasing steadily over the years.
How many hours to fly from India to Dubai from Chandigarh?
It takes around 5.5 – 6 hours with a stop connecting flight. A direct Dubai flight from the nearest international airport takes 3-4 hours.
How much is a plane ticket to Dubai?
An economy class ticket from Chandigarh to Dubai via connecting flights costs between ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 depending on the airline, time of booking, etc. A direct flight from Delhi costs ₹10,000-₹15,000.
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