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Italian carrier halts Amritsar–Toronto flights via Milan citing geopolitical instability
The FlyAmritsar Initiative, a volunteer group advocating for improved air connectivity from Punjab, called the suspension a “major setback".
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Pranavi Sharma - Mon, 06, Oct 2025
- 03:04 EDT
- 28
FlyAmritsar Initiative logo / FlyAmritsar Initiative
Italy’s Neos Air has announced the suspension of its weekly Amritsar–Toronto service via Milan, effective Oct. 8, 2025. The move marks a setback for Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, which had gained renewed transcontinental connectivity through the route since its launch in Apr. 2023.
In a statement on its official website, Neos Air said the decision was driven by “current international geopolitical instability and the resulting decline in booking trends, with load factors unfortunately insufficient to ensure operational sustainability”. The airline confirmed that passengers who booked directly through its website would receive refund instructions by email, while those who booked through travel agents should contact their agents. Its 24/7 live chat service remains available for customer assistance.
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The FlyAmritsar Initiative, a volunteer group advocating for improved air connectivity from Punjab, called the suspension a “major setback.” In a joint statement, Global Convener Sameep Singh Gumtala and North America Convener Anantdeep Singh Dhillon said, “This suspension is a major setback for thousands of Punjabi diaspora members in Canada who depend on convenient connections from Amritsar. At the same time, it highlights the urgent need for sustainable long-haul operations to and from Punjab.”
The group said it would continue to advocate for stronger links between Amritsar and global destinations. “Neos Air sustained this operation since April 2023 despite being a smaller airline. Now is the time for Air India to realize the full potential of this route and step in,” the statement said. “With its vast resources and global network, Air India is best positioned to operate direct Amritsar–Toronto flights successfully and serve the growing demand of the Punjabi diaspora.”
While acknowledging the loss, FlyAmritsar representatives said other options remain available for passengers traveling to Toronto. “Qatar Airways operates a direct Amritsar–Doha service, providing convenient one-stop connections to Toronto. Air India also offers one-stop connectivity via Delhi for travelers bound for Canada,” Gumtala said.
Dhillon added that passenger demand will play a decisive role in restoring or expanding services. “For airlines to justify more international services from Amritsar, passenger numbers are critical. Punjabis themselves must show greater patriotism and commitment by choosing to fly from or to Amritsar,” he said.
(from left) Anantdeep Singh Dhillon and Sameep Singh Gumtala / FlyAmritsar Initiative The FlyAmritsar Initiative thanked Neos Air for its contribution to Amritsar’s international network and expressed hope that the airline might reconsider its decision in the future, possibly exploring a Vancouver–Milan–Amritsar route to serve Western Canada’s Punjabi community.
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