Delhi Airport Operator Sues Govt over Flights from Defence Airbase
In a shocking turn of events, Delhi airport operator GMR Airports Limited has sued the government for allowing commercial flights from a nearby defence aerodrome. According to legal papers filed in the case, the Delhi airport will become “economically and financially unviable” if the government continues to permit commercial flights from the defence airbase in Ghaziabad.
As reported by Reuters, the lawsuit was filed by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a joint venture between GMR Airports Limited and Airports Authority of India (AAI). The joint venture has been operating the Delhi airport since 2006.
The dispute between GMR Airports Limited and the government dates back to 2020, when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) granted permission to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to operate commercial flights from the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. The airbase is approximately 40 kilometers from the Delhi airport.
GMR Airports Limited claims that the government’s decision to permit commercial flights from the defence airbase will lead to a significant reduction in passenger traffic at the Delhi airport. The company argues that the flights from the airbase will divert passengers who would have otherwise used the Delhi airport, resulting in a loss of revenue.
In its lawsuit, GMR Airports Limited has sought a court order to stop the Indian Air Force from operating commercial flights from the Hindon airbase. The company has also demanded compensation for the losses it expects to incur due to the government’s decision.
The Delhi airport is one of the busiest airports in India, handling over 70 million passengers annually. The airport is a major hub for several international airlines, including Air India, British Airways, and Emirates.
The government’s decision to permit commercial flights from the defence airbase has been criticized by several industry experts, who argue that it will lead to a duplication of services and confusion among passengers. The experts point out that the Delhi airport is already operating at full capacity, and the additional flights from the airbase will only add to the congestion.
The Indian aviation industry has been facing several challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant decline in passenger traffic. The industry is still recovering from the pandemic, and the government’s decision to permit commercial flights from the defence airbase has added to the woes of the industry.
GMR Airports Limited has been operating the Delhi airport for over 15 years, and the company has invested heavily in the airport’s infrastructure. The company claims that its investment in the airport has enabled it to provide world-class services to passengers, and the government’s decision to permit commercial flights from the defence airbase will undermine the company’s efforts.
The lawsuit filed by GMR Airports Limited is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the company and the government. The outcome of the lawsuit will have a significant impact on the Indian aviation industry, and it will be interesting to see how the government responds to the company’s claims.
Source:
