December 2010: To passengers’ delight, Chandigarh airport is set to finally unveil recent upgrades to its domestic terminal. The newly renovated building will have modern infrastructure and world class amenities, benefitting airlines, vendors and passengers alike.
The upcoming terminal improvements are crucial to the ongoing expansion of the airport since the upcoming International airport at Mohali will not be ready for some time.
The 12,150 square metre newly renovated terminal with fully up to date facilities will reportedly be ready by February. This date is over a month past the December 31 deadline set by the Airport Authority of India (AAI).
International flights will be able to operate from the building, which will offer the latest and greatest services for its passengers. These include a food court, shopping arcade, and entertainment picks as well as business facilities and lounges for passengers and those receiving or dropping them.
The airport will provide international travelers with a duty-free shop stocking all popular brands. Entertainment options at the airport are set to include LCD TVs displaying flight schedules that also show news, current movies and sporting events and international channels. High-speed Internet access via Wi-Fi will also be available.
The food court will have snacks and beverages available a la carte style and a restaurant will have a bar for passengers to enjoy a drink before or between flights.
Efficient improvised parking space will be available for increased vehicle traffic. Service for this space is expected to be fully automated.
HS Toor, director of Chandigarh airport, said that teams have been working around the clock to complete the building and that the building should be finished by February.
Toor explained that while the new building may not operational until a few months after completion, it would be worth the wait. He said that travels to and from Chandigarh would be able to enjoy pre and post-flight pampering that will set new standards for airport comfort and ease of travel.
Although the building should be functional in a few short months, two aerobridges will not be able to be constructed until demolition of the old structure, according to recent reports and confirmed by Mr. Toor.