The FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI), a global advocacy campaign for direct flights and development of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport Amritsar, along with Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), a local NGO dedicated to the overall development of Amritsar, has formally requested the urgent replacement of a non-functional X-ray machine that is essential for the resumption of export cargo services to the UK and European Union from Amritsar Airport.
The machine was identified as faulty during a recent inspection by a UK team, which resulted in the suspension of the RA3 license required to export cargo to the UK and EU. According to the petitioners, the license enabled the establishment of international customs clearance companies and expanded cargo services to regions such as Ludhiana, Haryana, and Chandigarh, whose services are now hampered.
Calling for intervention of the Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and the Chairman of the Airport Authority of India, M. Suresh, the petitioners led by AVM Patrons Kulwant Singh Ankhi and Manmohan Singh Brar and FAI leaders Sameep Singh Gumtala (global convener), Yogesh Kamra (convener India), highlighted that despite assurances from airport authorities that a replacement X-ray machine has been ordered from Aurangabad Airport and that the tender process is underway, there has been no concrete action in over two months to resolve the issue.
"The delay in addressing the X-ray machine issue reflects a concerning lack of urgency from the relevant authorities," stated Gumtala. "This not only hampers the growth of Amritsar Airport but also impacts airlines that rely on increased cargo volumes to offset operational losses. We urge the authorities to expedite the replacement process to restore the RA3 license and resume full cargo operations."
"We request the immediate replacement of the non-functional X-ray machine at Amritsar Airport," added Brar. "Prompt action will not only support regional economic growth but also attract more airlines, increase passenger traffic, and contribute to the overall prosperity of Amritsar."
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