The much-anticipated Halwara International Airport in Punjab, a project poised to significantly upgrade the region's air connectivity, finds itself in a state of limbo. Despite construction being completed over a month ago, the terminal awaits its final security clearance and, crucially, a date for its grand inauguration, caught in a crossfire of political one-upmanship.
Operational Readiness Meets Bureaucratic Delays
Officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have confirmed that the construction work for the Halwara airport was wrapped up around the end of October 2025. The completion letter has been formally dispatched to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to initiate the process of making the airport functional.
However, a key hurdle remains. The airport is still awaiting the final security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The BCAS had earlier mandated the installation of a newer, updated security system, replacing the older model that was initially planned. While prior concerns, such as the need to raise the boundary wall, have been addressed, the final nod is pending. An anonymous AAI official indicated that an operational start before the year's end seems unlikely.
Despite the uncertainty, airline interest is robust. Air India has shown keen interest in commencing operations from Halwara. The carrier conducted an internal survey about a month ago and has reportedly assured authorities that it can start flights within 14 days of the airport becoming officially operational. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain has confirmed that all airport infrastructure is complete and that the civil aviation secretary of Punjab has been notified.
The Political Battle for Credit
As the project nears the finish line, a fierce "credit war" has erupted among rival political parties, each vying to claim ownership of this high-profile infrastructure achievement. This contest is cited as a major reason for the delay in setting an inauguration date.
Anil Sarin, the BJP state general secretary, labeled the airport a central government project. He accused the state's AAP government of delaying necessary infrastructure work outside the project's immediate area, thus holding up operations.
Hitting back, AAP state spokesperson Paramveer Singh asserted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann played a major role in the project's completion, calling it a main agenda to boost Punjab's industrial sector.
Congress MP Amar Singh entered the fray, stating the project was approved during the Congress government in 2018. He alleged that the current AAP government stopped work after taking over in March 2022 and that the project only restarted after he raised the issue in Parliament.
Public Awaits Economic Boost
Amid the political blame game, the local community in Ludhiana and surrounding areas eagerly awaits the launch, anticipating a substantial economic boost. Resident Dr. Gauhar Vatsyayan noted that the operational launch is highly anticipated and will benefit industrialists, professionals, and students alike.
The new Halwara facility marks a major upgrade. It will be significantly larger than the existing Sahnewal airport. While Sahnewal can cater to 72-seater ATR aircraft, Halwara's international terminal is primed to handle larger 172-seater Boeing jets. The integrated terminal will feature dedicated sections for international, domestic, and cargo operations, promising to be a game-changer for the region's connectivity and commerce.
