Not surprised.

Most NRI's flying in to Delhi would probably check into a hotel nearby the airport for the night and then continue the next day on a flight (or by road in a pvt hired taxi or transport) up north.

But things will change I think over time under Modi which means more direct flights into Punjab. It also makes sense given the fog situation during winter when flights are diverted/delayed making it neccessary to have alternative airports open and also able to cater for direct flights.