New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): In a significant boost to regional air travel, Air India has announced the launch of four daily flights connecting Delhi with Halwara airport near Ludhiana, starting May 15. The move marks the airline’s debut operations at Halwara, making it the first carrier to service this route.
The flights will be operated using Airbus A320 family aircraft, with schedules tailored to suit business travellers and those seeking seamless onward connections. The timings have been strategically planned to allow passengers to complete same-day trips and easily link to international flights via Delhi.
According to the announced schedule, the first flight will depart Delhi early in the morning and reach Halwara shortly after, followed by a return service back to the national capital. A second set of flights in the afternoon will provide additional flexibility, ensuring consistent connectivity throughout the day.
Gateway to Global Destinations
With this new service, travellers from Ludhiana and surrounding industrial hubs will gain improved access to international routes. Passengers will be able to book single-ticket journeys connecting through Delhi to destinations across Europe, including cities in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, with baggage checked through to final destinations.
The airline stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening its domestic feeder network into Delhi, which continues to function as its primary international hub. The enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit both business travellers and exporters from Punjab’s manufacturing sector.
Focus on Emerging Markets
Speaking on the development, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer highlighted that the expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to improve accessibility for passengers in tier-2 cities. The new Halwara route is expected to reduce travel time and make international journeys more convenient for residents of the region.
The launch comes amid a wider push by Indian airlines to expand operations in smaller cities, tapping into growing demand and supporting regional economic activity through better air links.
