The North American Punjabi Association on Wednesday urged the Union ministry of civil aviation to prioritise a direct flight between Amritsar and San Francisco.
NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal said the San Francisco Bay area was home to one of the largest Punjabi communities in North America and was a major centre for the trucking industry, where Punjabi entrepreneurs had made significant contributions over the years. Besides, thousands of Punjabi families, professionals, students and business owners travelled regularly between Punjab and Northern California.
But, even though new international routes had been announced from several Indian cities, Amritsar, home to Golden Temple and one of North India’s key international gateways, still lacked a direct connection to the US West Coast, he added.
Seeking the direct flight, Chahal said it will improve international connectivity, cut travel time, improve convenience, and boost business, tourism, religious travel, education and investment between Punjab and the United States.