Why route of flight between Amritsar, Birmingham was changed: HC to AI

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday asked the Air India to explain and produce relevant record pertaining to circumstances under which it changed the route of Amritsar-Birmingham flight.

The order was passed by the bench of justices SS Saron and Darshan Singh during the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL), alleging neglect of the airport.

As summoned, two of the top management officials, general manager (commercial) and assistant general manager (operations), were present in the court, but failed to satisfy the court on its queries.

The high court asked the duo as to why Amritsar-Birmingham flight was changed to Amritsar-Delhi-Birmingham as passengers have to fly extra as well as pay more for no reason.

The officers had submitted that it was changed due to operational reasons being Delhi as the hub of carrier’s flights. However, the bench asked when the passenger load was adequate for the flight at Amritsar, then why the aircraft with passengers fly to Delhi and then heads towards Birmingham using Pakistan airspace. The Birmingham-Amritsar flight also lands at Delhi airport first and then heads to Amritsar.

Later, the HC asked the Air India to produce records pertaining to the decision and submit a detailed reply.