Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): In a major boost to Punjab’s aerial connectivity, residents of Ludhiana and surrounding areas will soon have easier access to the national capital as direct flights from the newly inaugurated Halwara Airport are set to commence on May 15, 2026. The route will feature two daily flights operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, each boasting a seating capacity of 180 passengers. This development follows the high-profile inauguration of the Halwara Civil Terminal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February, marking a significant milestone for the region’s infrastructure.
The flight schedule has been designed to cater to both business travellers and daily commuters, with the first flight departing at 5:55 AM and the second at 12:55 PM. Each journey is expected to take approximately one hour and 10 minutes, drastically reducing the travel time between Punjab’s largest industrial hub and Delhi. Previously, travellers from Ludhiana had to rely on the Sahnewal Airport, which faced limitations due to shorter runways, or undertake the long journey to international airports in Amritsar or Mohali.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu hailed the commencement of commercial operations as a “moment of pride” for the state. He emphasized that the new connectivity would provide a substantial stimulus to trade and economic growth in Ludhiana, often referred to as the Manchester of India. The Halwara terminal is equipped with modern amenities and has been built to handle higher passenger volumes, ensuring that the industrial city is better integrated into the national aviation map.
As the May 15 launch date approaches, local industries and residents have welcomed the move, anticipating that the regular flight service will attract more investment and simplify logistics for the textile and bicycle manufacturing sectors. Government officials confirmed that all technical clearances for the Airbus operations have been finalized, and booking services are expected to open shortly. This new air link is seen as a vital step in transforming Ludhiana into a more accessible destination for global and domestic commerce.
