Six months after the Chandigarh airport was accorded the status of 'customs airport' and a year since its terminal building was upgraded, international flights continue to give it a miss.

It is mandatory to obtain 'customs airport' status to operate international fights. Besides, the new terminal building, renovated at a cost of around Rs 80 crore on 1,250 square metre and opened on April 14 last year, was upgraded to woo international airlines to start their operations from here. Facilities like eating joints, a big lounge, cafeteria, ATM, advance parking, medical facilities and extension of parking area for aircrafts was also introduced as per a report in TOI by Ajay Sura.

And despite the airport passing a litmus test by successfully operating more than 300 flights in 72 hours, including international ones, during the India-Pakistan Cricket World Cup semifinal match at Mohali on March 30 last year, international operations continue to evade it.

Director of Chandigarh airport Captain H S Toor said they were ready with all facilities required for international operations, but the ball was in the court of ministry of defence where the issue pertaining to its permission was stuck since six months.

Low-cost international airlines, like Air Arabia, had in October last year offered to launch Sharjah-Chandigarh flight. But as the runway as well as the air traffic control of the Chandigarh airport are controlled by the Indian Air Force, the foreign airlines have to take permission from the ministry of defence. The file is reportedly still lying with the ministry. Officials of Airport Authority of India said because of the delay, no other international players have shown any interest.