Halwara Airport Set to Revolutionize Punjab's Economic Landscape with March 2026 Launch
In a significant development for Punjab's infrastructure, Halwara Airport is poised to become operational, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate the terminal building virtually on February 1. According to minister Sanjeev Arora, Air India has secured the necessary clearances from the Indian Air Force and is set to commence flight operations in the first week of March 2026, marking a transformative milestone for the region.
Revival and Development of the Airport Project
The journey to operationalize Halwara Airport has been marked by persistent efforts and strategic initiatives. On November 22, 2022, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took the lead in reviving the stalled project, followed by the release of Rs 50 crore on December 11, 2022, to resume construction. Arora, who was then a Rajya Sabha member, actively pursued the issue, urging the Ministry of Civil Aviation to restore Delhi-Ludhiana air links in January and soliciting interest from various airlines in April.
In a crucial development, Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal committed in August to prioritize Halwara for routes connecting Delhi and Mumbai. Following a request by CM Mann in May 2025 to shift operations from Sahnewal to Halwara, structural works were completed by June, setting the stage for the airport's launch.
Timeline of Key Milestones and Challenges
The path to operationalization faced some delays, including the deferral of the initially scheduled virtual inauguration by the Prime Minister on July 27, 2025, due to technical issues. However, persistent follow-ups in the Rajya Sabha by MP Rajinder Gupta and a successful security audit in January 2026 paved the way for the final countdown.
On December 29, 2025, Air India cleared the airport for five-days-a-week operations and sought additional slots. The airline conveyed on January 8, 2025, that flight operations would begin after commissioning and approval. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the inauguration date on January 29, 2026, coinciding with Air India's request for a full seven-day flight schedule.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Arora emphasized that the operationalization of Halwara Airport is set to transform Punjab's economic landscape. By providing a direct gateway for Ludhiana—one of North India's premier manufacturing hubs—the airport will:
- Drastically reduce travel times for passengers and cargo
- Enhance the export-import ecosystem, boosting trade efficiency
- Attract fresh investment by improving connectivity and infrastructure
This development is expected to catalyze regional growth, making Punjab more competitive in the global market and supporting its industrial and economic ambitions.
