Chandigarh International Airport is preparing for one of its biggest expansions in recent years, with plans to open four new international routes to Bangkok, Malaysia, London and Singapore. The proposal has gained momentum as the airport sees a steady rise in passenger numbers and growing pressure from the Tricity’s business community for direct global connectivity.
According to officials, preliminary discussions have begun with multiple international airlines. The airport management has also started working on an incentive plan that could make Chandigarh a more attractive destination for foreign carriers.
Senior officials said that the proposed policy may offer financial support such as reduced operational charges and promotional benefits for airlines willing to start services from the city.
Airport CEO Ajay Verma said that the aim is to give travellers and businesses better access to major global hubs. He noted that both leisure travel and business traffic have increased sharply in recent years, with more passengers from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal choosing Chandigarh over Delhi for domestic travel.
“International options are the missing piece,” an official said, adding that the new routes could open up long-pending opportunities for exporters, IT professionals, students and industrial firms.
The airport currently handles around 4.2 million passengers annually, and domestic cargo movement has shot up by nearly 65%. Yet, despite this growth, Chandigarh still has only two international flights operating at the moment. For years, residents and industry groups have been demanding more direct connections, especially to Southeast Asia and Europe.
Officials believe that once the incentive policy is cleared by the authorities, airlines may be more willing to commit to Chandigarh as a long-term destination. While the exact timeline for the launch of the new flights is yet to be finalised, preparations have already started to ensure that the required infrastructure, staffing and operational support are ready when approvals come through.
Meanwhile, the move is being viewed as a significant upgrade for the region. Better global links are expected to cut travel time for thousands of passengers who currently depend on Delhi airport for most international routes. Industry bodies say that improved air access could boost exports, attract investors and make the Tricity a stronger regional hub for business and technology.