Background
The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Central government regarding a petition filed by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) challenging the operation of commercial flights from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad. DIAL, which manages the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), has raised concerns over the potential impact of allowing civilian air traffic from the Indian Air Force-controlled Hindon Airbase, arguing that it could violate existing agreements and create unfair competition.
DIAL’s Arguments
DIAL’s petition highlights several key concerns:
- Violation of the Concession Agreement
- The plea argues that allowing commercial operations at Hindon Airport contravenes the terms of the concession agreement signed between DIAL and the government, which grants DIAL exclusivity in handling commercial passenger flights in the National Capital Region (NCR). The company claims that this exclusivity extends to a 150-km radius around IGI Airport, and Hindon falls within this zone.
- Financial and Operational Impact
- DIAL contends that permitting commercial flights from Hindon could divert passenger traffic from IGI Airport, affecting its revenue and long-term financial planning. The operator has invested heavily in IGI’s infrastructure, and any reduction in traffic could undermine those investments.
- Safety and Air Traffic Management Issues
- The petition also raises concerns about potential congestion in Delhi’s airspace. With IGI Airport handling one of the highest volumes of air traffic in the country, the addition of civilian operations from Hindon could complicate air traffic management and increase risks related to flight coordination.
Court’s Observations
The Delhi High Court, after hearing DIAL’s arguments, has issued a notice to the Centre, seeking its response on the matter. The government has been directed to clarify its stance on whether Hindon Airport can legally accommodate commercial passenger flights and if such operations align with existing aviation policies.
The court has also sought input from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to determine:
- Whether Hindon’s commercial operations pose a regulatory or contractual issue.
- The implications of such operations on air traffic management and safety.
- The broader impact on aviation infrastructure in the NCR.
Government’s Position
The government, in previous discussions, has justified the use of Hindon for commercial flights to decongest IGI Airport and provide better regional connectivity under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. Hindon Airport has been used for regional flights, especially to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, reducing pressure on IGI’s already burdened terminals. However, whether this violates DIAL’s concession agreement remains a matter of legal scrutiny.
Possible Outcomes
- If the court finds merit in DIAL’s claims, it could impose restrictions on commercial operations from Hindon, reinforcing IGI’s exclusivity over passenger flights in the region.
- If the court rules in favor of the government, Hindon Airport may continue to serve as an alternative hub for low-cost and regional airlines, reducing congestion at IGI.
- The case could lead to a renegotiation of DIAL’s concession agreement to accommodate changes in aviation policies and regional connectivity plans.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s intervention in the dispute between DIAL and the government highlights the complexities of aviation policy, regional connectivity, and contractual obligations in India’s aviation sector. The court’s final decision will have significant implications for both airport operations in the NCR and the broader policy of using military airbases for civilian purposes.