Delhi airport operator sues government over flights from defence airbase
The Hindu
The operator of the Delhi’s international airport, majority owned by GMR Airports, is suing the government for allowing commercial flights from a nearby defence aerodrome, legal papers show in a case to be heard on March 17, 2025
The operator of the Delhi’s international airport, majority owned by GMR Airports, is suing the government for allowing commercial flights from a nearby defence aerodrome, legal papers show in a case to be heard on Monday (March 17, 2025).
The airport is one of India's busiest, with about 73.6 million passengers using it last year, though it made a loss of $21 million because of higher government fees. In contrast, by Sunday, the number of airbase users was about 1,400.
The Delhi airport will become "economically and financially unviable," after the government permitted commercial flights from the defence airbase in Ghaziabad, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said in the March 10 lawsuit.
In the suit, which Reuters is the first to report, DIAL told the Delhi High Court the government breached aviation rules barring a new airport within an aerial distance of 150 km (90 miles) of an existing one, unless there is passenger demand.
The State-run Airports Authority of India also has a stake in DIAL. India's civil aviation ministry did not immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment.
DIAL seeks to overturn the government's decision, and cites media reports for its contention that flights by Air India Express began operating in March from the Hindon Airforce Station, about 30 km (19 miles) from the Delhi airport.
DIAL is represented by Trilegal, a law firm based in India.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday (March 17, 2025) released a book issued by the Finance Department titled ‘Tamil Nadu Fiscal Management: Antiquity and Continuity’, which chronicles the State’s financial management from the Sangam Age to the present day.
The Puducherry Assembly on Monday (March 17, 2025) witnessed noisy scenes as legislators from the ruling AINRC-BJP alliance and the Opposition DMK-Congress combine engaged in heated exchanges over the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the Union Territory (UT).
Telangana Government sets in motion the process to increases BC reservations to 42% in education, employment, and local bodies, pending Central Government approval.
Stream the riveting political crime thriller Viduthalai: Part 2 on ZEE5 in Hindi from March 28, starring Sethupathi.
UDF accuses Kerala government of neglecting paddy farmers, siding with mill owners in procurement process, leading to protests.
Supreme Court extends panel's tenure overseeing Manipur ethnic violence cases, directs trials to be held in Guwahati.
Lakshmi Venu appointed Vice Chairman of TAFE, known for leadership and recognized as a powerful woman in business.
China appreciates PM Modi's positive remarks on Sino-Indian ties, emphasizing dialogue over discord for mutual success.
Tensions rise in Manipur as Hmar tribe leader assaulted, locals demand justice, police impose prohibitory orders.
Kerala ASHA workers intensify agitation with indefinite hunger strike from March 20, government waives criteria for payment.
Railways promise to complete project by April-end. Divisional Railway Manager of Southern Railway’s Palakkad division Arun Kumar Chaturvedi told The Hindu that steep slopes at the project site require micro piling to be done for stability. Hence, the boxes could not be pushed before February. Concrete boxes are kept ready and would be pushed from April first week after placing girders beneath the rails with the work expected to be over by April-end.
Sudesh Patil, Santosh Jadhav, Sumit More and Jai Kumar allegedly assaulted the student after ascertaining his religion.
PM Modi and New Zealand PM Luxon discuss strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on trade, defense, education, and agriculture cooperation.