New Delhi, March 2: As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney began his inaugural official visit to India, advocacy groups intensified their push for direct air connectivity between Canada and Amritsar. Members of the FlyAmritsar Initiative and Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) requested that the Prime Minister include non-stop flights to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in his high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The activists stated that direct links from Toronto and Vancouver are a vital necessity for over one million Canadians of Punjabi origin, as well as a growing demographic of international students. Currently, travelers must endure journeys lasting up to 35 hours, often involving lengthy layovers in Delhi. Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, Sameep Singh Gumtala, and Anantdeep Singh Dhillon affirmed in a joint statement that such flights are no longer merely a matter of convenience but are essential for trade and family ties.
A significant hurdle remains the lopsided aviation framework between the two nations. While Indian carriers enjoy “open skies” access to any Canadian city, Canadian airlines are restricted to only six Indian metros, a list that excludes Amritsar. Mr. Gumtala noted that while Air India is increasing its Toronto frequencies this April, Canadian carriers lack the bilateral rights to fly directly to the holy city.
The campaign for direct flights has seen significant political momentum, including a parliamentary e-petition sponsored by MP Brad Vis that garnered 20,000 signatures in one month. Minister Ruby Sahota has also championed the cause. Activists asserted that Prime Minister Carney should advocate for Indian carriers to commence these routes immediately or negotiate expanded access for Canadian airlines to ensure the diaspora has a direct link to the Darbar Sahib.
