Ludhiana: Commercial flight operations from Ludhiana’s Halwara Airport have moved a step closer to reality after the Indian Air Force granted clearance for civilian use of the airbase facilities.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has initiated final preparations to operationalise the airport. Officials confirmed that all regulatory formalities required to commence services have been completed, including slot approvals from AAI’s Slot Coordination and Allocation Committee.
National carrier Air India has secured two daily slots for operations in the first phase. As per the approved schedule, one aircraft will land at 7:00 am and depart at 7:40 am, while the second service is scheduled to arrive at 3:00 pm and take off at 3:40 pm.
In preparation for the launch, Air India representatives recently inspected the terminal building at Halwara and finalised space for their operational office within the premises. The airline has formally requested allocation of space from airport authorities to establish its counters and administrative setup.
During the initial rollout, two daily flights will operate between Ludhiana and Delhi, with corresponding return services from the national capital. Expansion to additional domestic destinations is expected in later stages once operations stabilise. International connectivity, however, may take up to two years, according to officials familiar with the plan.
The flight duration between Ludhiana and Delhi is estimated at approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Ticket prices are likely to range between ₹2,800 and ₹3,500, though fares are yet to be officially announced. Passengers will be required to report at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.
The airport was virtually inaugurated on February 1 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event held at Adampur in Jalandhar. At the time, it was indicated that services could begin from March 1, 2026.
However, there is some uncertainty regarding the exact start date, as Air India is still completing certain procedural requirements before ticket bookings open. AAI officials have stated that efforts are underway to ensure flights commence at the earliest possible date.
With regulatory approvals now in place and airline coordination advancing, Halwara Airport is poised to boost regional connectivity for Ludhiana and surrounding areas, marking a significant development in Punjab’s aviation infrastructure.
