Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has sued the Indian government over the approval of commercial flights from Hindon Airbase, 30 km from the capital's airport. DIAL argues it violates aviation regulations and threatens financial viability, seeking to overturn the decision.

The operator of Delhi's international airport, majority-owned by GMR Airports, has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government over the approval of commercial flights from a nearby defense airbase in Ghaziabad. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) claims that the government's decision breaches aviation regulations, which prohibit new airports within 150 km of an existing one, unless there is passenger demand.

DIAL argues that the decision to permit flights from the Hindon Airforce Station, located just 30 km from the capital's international airport, will make the airport financially unviable. The airport, one of India’s busiest, served 73.6 million passengers last year but incurred a loss of $21 million due to higher government fees. In comparison, the airbase has only around 1,400 users, highlighting the potential negative economic impact.

The case, to be heard on Monday by the Delhi High Court, seeks to overturn the government's decision. DIAL, which is partially owned by the state-run Airports Authority of India, argues that the operation of commercial flights from Hindon Airforce Station would lead to an unsustainable competitive environment.

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