Amritsar, Jan 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s proposal to increase the number of flights from Mohali International Airport has evoked sharp reactions in Amritsar. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla strongly objected to the Chief Minister’s stance, saying that the idea of promoting only Mohali internationally is not only one-sided but also causes serious injustice to a city like Amritsar with a global presence.
MP Aujla said that Amritsar is not a new or emerging city, but is already well-known in the country and abroad. Due to the Sri Harimandir Sahib, the supreme shrine of Sikhism, Amritsar is a major hub for pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Despite the millions of NRIs, foreign tourists, and domestic travelers visiting Amritsar every year, the city continues to be neglected when it comes to expanding air services.
He said that Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport is Punjab’s busiest and most important international airport. Amritsar provides a direct connection for NRIs living in the UK, Canada, Europe, the US, and the Gulf countries. Religious tourism, heritage tourism, and cross-border trade have long necessitated the demand for international flights from Amritsar, and ignoring them is against the state’s interests.
MP Aujla clarified that he himself has repeatedly made concrete demands regarding the Amritsar airport to the government and relevant departments.
From Parliament to the Airport Advisory Committee meetings, he has emphasized the need for direct international flights from Amritsar, increased domestic connectivity, and expanded airport infrastructure. He has also demanded direct flights from Amritsar to London, Canada, and other European countries, as well as the opening of routes of religious and social importance, such as Nanded Sahib, Guwahati, and Dharamshala.
He stated that he has consistently advocated for terminal expansion and the development of the airport, taking into account future passenger capacity, but Chief Minister Mann has ignored his demands and focused only on Mohali.
Taking aim at the Chief Minister, MP Aujla said that while promoting Mohali isn’t wrong, ignoring Amritsar and focusing solely on one city is akin to a disregard for Punjab’s geographical, religious, and economic realities. He questioned why Amritsar isn’t being prioritized in policymaking when it already has international recognition and passenger capacity.
He said that weakening Amritsar means weakening the international image and economic potential of the entire Punjab. If the state government truly wants to strengthen Punjab globally, it must formulate policies with Amritsar International Airport at its core and immediately promote new international flights from there.
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