FlyAmritsar Initiative welcomes restoration of UAE flights, renews demand for State intercity bus service
AMRITSAR – (Asian independent) The FlyAmritsar Initiative has welcomed the gradual resumption of direct flights between Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar (ATQ) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Flight operations had recently faced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, escalation between Iran and Israel, and subsequent temporary airspace closures across the Middle East.
Sharing the information, Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, stated that with the stabilization of regional airspace, international air carriers are successfully restoring their normal schedules. Air India Express has resumed its Amritsar–Sharjah operations in April and, as of May 16, has officially reinstated its daily Amritsar–Dubai flights. Furthermore, according to booking availability on the airline’s website, IndiGo is also set to resume its Amritsar–Sharjah flights starting May 20.
The daily Air India Express flight departs Amritsar at 02:20am (arriving Dubai 4:55am), and returns from Dubai at 05:55am, arriving back in Amritsar at 11:40am. For Sharjah, IndiGo departs Amritsar at 12:15pm (arriving at 2:40pm), while Air India Express departs at 1:15pm (arriving at 4:05pm). Both Sharjah return flights depart at 5:05pm, arriving in Amritsar at 10:45pm and 10:30pm respectively.
Gumtala called this a vital step for passengers from Punjab, the Punjabi diaspora, workers and tourists. “These routes are the backbone of Amritsar’s international traffic, and we hope for continued stability,” he said.
However, the advocacy group highlighted that SpiceJet’s previously operated flights to Dubai remain unavailable for bookings on their website until August. Gumtala noted that two daily flights to both Dubai and Sharjah have traditionally operated from Amritsar for a long time due to high demand. “If SpiceJet cannot restore the route soon, we urge IndiGo or other Indian carriers to add Dubai flights to fill this gap,” Gumtala added.
State Government Urged to Provide Direct Bus Connectivity
While welcoming the air links, Gumtala slammed the Punjab Government’s failure to provide dedicated public transport or luxury intercity buses despite the airport handling 2.5 to 3.0 lakh monthly passengers.
“It is unfortunate that while our state government provides luxury Volvo buses and help desks to funnel travelers to Delhi Airport, it ignores the needs of Amritsar’s 10,000 daily passengers,” said Gumtala. “Amritsar Airport remains isolated from state-run intercity bus networks. We urge the government to immediately launch bus services to link the airport with towns across Punjab to make travel affordable and convenient.”
For media inquiries, contact:
Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener, FlyAmritsar Initiative, Overseas Secretary, Amritsar Vikas Manch (NGO) Dayton, Ohio, USA
Ph.: +1-937-654-8873 (Cell & WhatsApp)
Yogesh Kamra, Convener (India), FlyAmritsar Initiative, General Secretary, Amritsar Vikas Manch (NGO) Amritsar, Punjab India
Ph.: +91-98762-25251
