Picture credits: DIAL
NEW DELHI: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has initiated legal action against the government for allowing commercial flights from Hindon Airbase, a nearby defence facility. The case is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, 17 March 2025.
DIAL, which is primarily owned by GMR Airports, contends that the move threatens the financial viability of Delhi’s airport. Despite handling 73.6 million passengers in 2023, the airport reported a $21 million loss due to increased government fees.
On Sunday, Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad recorded 1,400 passengers, as stated in a post on its X account.
According to Reuters, DIAL alleges that the government has violated aviation regulations, which prohibit the establishment of a new airport within 150 km (90 miles) of an existing one unless passenger demand justifies it.
The company has urged the Delhi High Court to revoke the decision. Following the lawsuit’s announcement, GMR Airports’ shares declined by up to 0.7%.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which operates Hindon, also holds a stake in DIAL and has three seats on its board. DIAL argues this poses a conflict of interest since AAI has access to confidential business information. The civil aviation ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad operates as both a commercial airport and an Indian Air Force base. Initially developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme to ease congestion at Delhi’s main airport, it has recently expanded its commercial operations, with Air India Express launching flights in March 2025.
Stay tuned to Aviation Today for more updates.
