Clear for Takeoff? Delhi Airport Battles Government Decision

In a dramatic legal action, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which runs India's busiest airport, has filed a suit against the government for permitting commercial flights from a neighboring defence airbase in Ghaziabad. The suit, filed with the Delhi High Court, contends that this action violates aviation rules barring new airport operations within 150 km of an existing airport unless there is demand for passengers. DIAL argues that the shift will render the Delhi airport "economically and financially unviable." The airport saw 73.6 million passengers in the previous year but made a loss of $21 million because of increased government charges. Air India Express has started operating flights from Hindon Airforce Station, some 30 km from Delhi airport. The case will be heard today.

 

Source: Reuters, ThePrint, Business Today, Economic Times.