Contrary to initial apprehensions over whether the newly constructed airport near Ludhiana would attract enough passengers, air connectivity between Halwara and New Delhi has received an encouraging response from residents, industrialists and travellers. After missing several deadlines, the airport was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 1. Commercial flight operations began on May 15, with Air India launching daily services between Delhi and Halwara, located around 40 km from the centre of Ludhiana city.
Inauguration Sparks Political Credit War
The inauguration sparked a credit war. BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu travelled on the inaugural Delhi-Halwara flight, along with party leaders and supporters, while AAP’s then Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora claimed the airport became a reality due to his persistent efforts. Regardless of the claims, the biggest beneficiaries have been the people of the region, particularly Ludhiana’s business community and frequent travellers.
Early Setback and Repairs
The airport faced an early setback when heavy rain and strong winds on May 30 — barely two weeks after operations began — damaged parts of the terminal’s false ceiling. The Public Works Department (PWD) attributed the incident to severe weather and immediately initiated repairs.
At present, Air India is the only commercial airline operating from the Halwara Civil Terminal, with two daily flights to and from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, offering onward connectivity to domestic and international destinations.
Concerns Over Sustainability
While passenger response has been encouraging, many residents remain concerned that Halwara should not meet the fate of Sahnewal airport, which became defunct due to operational challenges, including poor visibility on the airstrip. Despite repeated efforts to revive operations there, commercial flights could not be sustained, even after huge investments.
Speaking after arriving on the inaugural Halwara flight, Bittu recalled visiting the site when it was “covered with sand and wilderness”. “Everyone has contributed immensely to make this project a reality. Now it is up to the public to make it successful and demand international flights from here. We will be happy to serve the people of Ludhiana,” he said.
Business Community Welcomes Connectivity
The business fraternity has welcomed the operationalisation of the airport, describing improved air connectivity as a long-pending requirement. Pankaj Sharma, president of the Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings (ATIU), said more airlines should begin operations. “Air connectivity saves a lot of valuable time for businessmen,” he said.
More than Rs 50 crore has been invested in developing the Halwara Civil Terminal, and residents as well as industry leaders believe sustained public support and greater airline participation will be crucial to ensure the airport’s long-term success.
Daily Flight Schedule and Fares
Air India operates Airbus A320 aircraft (seating capacity 160) on the Halwara-Delhi route. The daily schedule includes four flights: AI 481 departs Delhi at 5:55 am and arrives Halwara at 7:05 am; AI 482 departs Halwara at 7:55 am and arrives Delhi at 9:10 am; AI 483 departs Delhi at 12:55 pm and arrives Halwara at 2:10 pm; and AI 484 departs Halwara at 2:40 pm and arrives Delhi at 3:55 pm. On average, fares range between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,500.
