Airfares Triple Amid Sudden Rush
One-way ticket prices between Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana and Delhi have skyrocketed to Rs 12,000-14,000 over the past two days, driven by an unexpected surge in demand. The spike, which saw fares nearly triple from usual levels, has been linked to a wedding of a close relative of a prominent Ludhiana businessman in Delhi, prompting many industrialists and businesspersons to travel to the capital.
A local businessman expressed surprise at the sharp increase, noting that tickets for June 29 had almost tripled. “The heavy demand drove fares up significantly,” he said. The sudden rush has pushed prices well above the typical range for this route.
Business-Class Fares Under Scrutiny
Frequent flyer Sonu Nilibar, who hailed the launch of flights from Halwara as one of the region’s biggest achievements in recent years, highlighted issues with business-class pricing. He pointed out that a business-class ticket for the Ludhiana-Delhi sector generally costs around Rs 19,000, leaving most seats vacant due to high fares. “If prices are brought down to around Rs 12,000-13,000, many more businessmen would prefer to travel in business class. Lower fares could increase ticket sales and generate overall revenue,” he suggested.
Passengers Report Inadequate Facilities
Concerns have also been raised about the facilities at the newly operational airport. Traveller Vipul Rattan said the terminal’s air-conditioning system was not functioning during his visit three days ago, forcing passengers to endure the heat. Another passenger, Vinay Sahnana, posted on X that his first experience at Halwara Airport was marred by non-functional air conditioners and flies inside the terminal. He urged authorities to address these issues at the earliest.
Airport Director Responds
Responding to the complaints, Halwara Airport Director Jagir Singh said he had not received any formal complaint but assured that the matter would be looked into. “I was on leave for the past few days, but I will get everything checked,” he stated. The airport, which began operations recently, is expected to serve as a key hub for the region, but these teething problems have dampened passenger experience.
