In a major setback to the international connectivity of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
Amritsar with Toronto, Italy’s Neos Air has announced suspension of its weekly Amritsar–Toronto service via
Milan effective October 8, 2025.
According to a statement released on the airline’s official website, Neos Air cited “current international geopolitical
instability and the resulting decline in booking trends, with load factors unfortunately insufficient to ensure operational
sustainability” as the reason for discontinuing the route.
The FlyAmritsar Initiative, which has been consistently working for improved air connectivity from Amritsar, expressed
concern over the suspension. In a joint statement, Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of FlyAmritsar Initiative,
and Anantdeep Singh Dhillon, Convener North America, 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 FlyAmritsar Initiative will
continue its advocacy efforts with governments, airlines, and stakeholders to push for stronger and long-term air
connectivity from Amritsar to destinations like Canada, Europe, and beyond.”
Anantdeep-Singh-Dhillon-
They further emphasized, “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. 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.”
Although this suspension is disappointing, passengers still have options to reach Toronto: Qatar Airways operates a
direct Amritsar–Doha service, providing convenient one-stop connections to Toronto. For those wanting to fly one
stop, Air India provides one-stop connectivity via Delhi for travelers bound for Canada, added Gumtala.
“For airlines to justify more international services from Amritsar, passenger numbers are critical,” Dhillon added.
“Punjabis themselves must show greater patriotism and commitment by choosing to fly from/to Amritsar, even if it means
connecting via Delhi for some routes. Stronger passenger traffic through Amritsar will help make the case with airlines
like Air India and others to expand direct services in the future.”
The FlyAmritsar Initiative complimented Neos Air for recognizing Amritsar’s potential and launching this
transcontinental service. The team remains hopeful that when geopolitical and market conditions improve, the airline may
reconsider operations—possibly exploring a Vancouver–Milan–Amritsarroute to serve Western Canada’s growing
Punjabi community and strengthen travel links between Punjab and Europe.
Meanwhile, Neos Air has announced that passengers who booked directly on its website will receive refund instructions
by email, while those who booked through travel agencies are advised to contact their agents. The airline’s 24/7 Live Chat