Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has decided to withdraw its legal challenge against the Centre’s decision to permit the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to operate scheduled commercial flights from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad. The decision, which came on Tuesday, marked the end of the legal battle that had been ongoing between DIAL and the authorities over the commercial use of Hindon, an Indian Air Force (IAF) station.
DIAL informed the Delhi High Court that it would now address its concerns directly with the AAI and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, rather than pursuing the legal case. In light of this development, the court disposed of the case, acknowledging DIAL’s decision to withdraw its petition.
The case had initially raised concerns about the potential impact on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), with DIAL arguing that allowing commercial flights to operate from Hindon could lead to operational and safety issues. However, with the withdrawal of the petition, DIAL appears to have shifted its focus to a more collaborative approach, aiming to resolve the matter through discussions with the relevant authorities.
The decision to allow commercial flights from Hindon Airport is part of the government’s efforts to ease congestion at the busy IGIA and improve air connectivity in the region. The AAI has been working to expand capacity at Hindon and make it more accessible for scheduled commercial flights, with the aim of serving the growing demand for air travel.
The move to withdraw the case comes at a time when the Indian aviation industry is rapidly expanding, with increasing passenger traffic and a growing number of flights operating across the country. By focusing on addressing concerns with the AAI and the civil aviation ministry, DIAL will be able to participate in discussions about the future of regional airports and their role in meeting the nation’s aviation needs.
While the legal challenge has been resolved, the situation underscores the importance of balancing growth and operational efficiency in the aviation sector. With DIAL’s concerns now directed toward dialogue with the authorities, it remains to be seen how the various stakeholders will work together to ensure smooth operations at Hindon while minimizing any impact on the operations at IGIA.
