Halwara Airport Set to Launch Commercial Flights to Delhi from March 1
Following the virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, Halwara Airport in Ludhiana is poised to begin scheduled commercial operations on March 1, 2026. This development marks a significant milestone for Punjab's aviation infrastructure, with the airport designed to serve the industrial hub of Ludhiana and the broader Malwa region.
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
Air India has secured approval to operate two daily flights to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, initially offering five-day-a-week connectivity. The airline will use an Airbus A320, a narrow-body aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers, with travel time estimated at approximately one hour.
The proposed flight timings are structured in two slots:
- Morning service: Arrives at Halwara at 7:00 AM, departs for Delhi at 7:40 AM.
- Afternoon service: Arrives at Halwara at 2:35 PM, departs for Delhi at 3:40 PM.
Officials noted that the morning slot is specifically timed to accommodate international travelers arriving in Delhi who require early connections to Ludhiana. These timings may be adjusted when the aviation summer schedule takes effect in late March.
Infrastructure and Logistics Enhancements
Halwara Airport boasts superior infrastructure compared to the older Sahnewal Airport, featuring a longer runway and an instrument landing system (ILS) that enables better operations during low visibility conditions. The facility also offers improved solutions for staffing, pricing, and personnel management.
Air India is expected to transition 5-6 office staff and up to 16 ground personnel into the terminal by mid-February. Tickets will be sold at standard commercial rates rather than subsidized prices under regional connectivity schemes, with initial operations supported by staff moved from Sahnewal Airport.
Local Impact and Industry Support
The airport's opening has been met with enthusiasm from the business community and local residents. Upkar Singh, president of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU), predicted that Halwara could become one of the region's busiest airports within three years.
"Travelling to Delhi by road is tiresome due to traffic, and train tickets are often unavailable," said Mandeep Singh, a local resident. "Having a faster travel option is a major relief for the community."
Ending Ludhiana's Aviation Drought
The launch of Halwara Airport services ends a months-long aviation gap for Ludhiana, which has been without air connectivity since late September 2024 when the sole flight operating between Sahnewal and Hindon (NCR) was suspended.
Punjab Local Bodies Minister Sanjeev Arora confirmed that Air India received necessary clearances from the Indian Air Force and is scheduled to commence flight operations in the first week of March 2026. "On December 29, 2025, Air India cleared the airport for five-days-a-week operations and sought additional slots," he stated.
Industry Commitment to Viability
To ensure the initial viability of the route, CICU President Upkar Singh revealed that the chamber proposed a deal to Air India in August 2024. Under this arrangement, CICU members committed to purchasing 50% of the flight tickets for the first three months of operation, demonstrating strong local support for the new aviation link.
