By Sameep Singh Gumtala, Published on February 11th, 2025 in News
The recent arrival of C-17 Globemaster III, a massive U.S. military transport aircraft at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, carrying 104 deported Indians has once again placed Amritsar Airport in the global spotlight. This event has been widely covered not just by Indian media but also by major news outlets across the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world, reinforcing the airport’s growing significance in international aviation.
Why Amritsar? The Debate Continues
The landing of the U.S. military aircraft has sparked intense debate on social media and in political circles regarding why the Government of India chose Amritsar as the landing destination instead of Delhi or Ahmedabad, especially when most deportees were reportedly from Gujarat and not Punjab.
However, the objective of this article is not to focus on the government’s decision-making process regarding this flight’s landing. Instead, the purpose is to directly address those who continue to question and defame Amritsar Airport’s infrastructure and operational capabilities.
A Clear Message to Those Who Question Amritsar Airport’s Infrastructure
For years, some have continued to doubt Amritsar Airport’s capabilities, claiming that it cannot handle larger aircraft or lacks modern infrastructure. This incident serves as a powerful response to such misinformation. The arrival of a large U.S. military aircraft at Amritsar Airport proves that it is fully capable of handling wide-body aircraft and large-scale operations.
Amritsar Airport Has:
✅ The capacity to handle wide-body aircraft
✅ Advanced infrastructure for seamless operations
✅ CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS) for low-visibility and fog operations
✅ One of the longest runways in India, suitable for large international flights
While further improvements and expansions are always welcome, it is time to stop defaming Amritsar Airport and recognize the world-class facilities it already offers.
Debunking the Myth of High Airport Taxes
A common misconception is that high airport taxes are the reason for fewer international flights at Amritsar. However, the reality is different. The primary factor limiting foreign airlines from operating flights to Amritsar is bilateral air agreements—the regulations that determine which foreign airlines can fly into specific Indian cities.
Some critics still refer to Singapore Airlines’ operations from 2004-2008 and falsely claim that the airline stopped its flights due to high airport taxes. That is an outdated argument! Today, multiple foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, and AirAsia, operate successfully from Amritsar, proving that airport charges are not a barrier.
Government Policies Hindering Amritsar’s Full Potential
While Amritsar Airport has proven its capability time and again, it continues to suffer due to the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation’s restrictive policies. Foreign airlines are not given landing rights at regional airports like Amritsar, Chandigarh, and others, while they are freely allowed to operate flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and other metro airports where they already have multiple flights. This imbalance has severely limited Amritsar’s growth, despite strong demand for direct international connectivity from Punjab.
With this unprecedented global media coverage, it is evident that Amritsar Airport is no longer just a regional facility—it is gaining international recognition. Now, it is up to policymakers, aviation authorities, and the Punjab government to leverage this momentum and push for further expansion and connectivity.
📸 Below are screenshots of worldwide media coverage and an exclusive image of the U.S. military aircraft at Amritsar Airport—a rare and significant moment in the airport’s history.
About the Author:
Sameep Singh Gumtala is Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, a global advocacy group dedicated to promoting and enhancing connectivity at Amritsar Airport. The Initiative has been advocating for increased flight services to Amritsar, recognizing the city’s importance as a cultural and commercial hub.
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