Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Journalism of Courage
Premium
First flight from Ludhiana’s Halwara airport for Delhi to begin in May: Union MoS R S Bittu
Minister Arora says 'some opportunists repeating what's already in public domain'
The newly built terminal building at the Halwara airport in Punjab. (File Photo)
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu Sunday announced that flight operations from the civil terminal building at Halwara airport near Ludhiana are expected to begin in May.
The announcement comes nearly two months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built terminal building on February 1. The terminal building was inaugurated after missing several deadlines in the past eight years.
Bittu, who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Ludhiana on a BJP ticket but lost, wrote on his official Facebook page: “A proud moment for Punjab. Flight bookings from Halwara Airport set to begin in April, with the first flight expected between 10-15 May. Operations will start with a 160-seater A320 economy aircraft. Initially, there will be two daily flights between Delhi and Halwara – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – marking a major leap in connectivity for the region.”
“This milestone will boost travel, trade, and economic growth across the state. Grateful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his vision and continued commitment to strengthening infrastructure and empowering Punjab. I also remain committed, as union Minister, to continuously working towards Punjab’s growth and ensuring such transformative projects reach the people,” he wrote.
The first flight from Halwara to Delhi is expected to be operated by Air India. The terminal building has the capacity to handle 150 domestic passengers at a time. There are plans to expand the facility and operate international flights from it in the coming years.
Reacting to Bittu’s announcement, AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that “some opportunists were merely repeating what was already in public domain”.
“During a press briefing held at Ludhiana on March 26, I had already confirmed that flight bookings for Halwara will commence from next week. The same was reiterated by Bittu today after three days. Some ‘opportunists’ are merely repeating whatever has been brought into public domain by me,” Arora said.
Story continues below this ad
The Punjab minister said that the operationalisation of Halwara Airport is expected to enhance regional air connectivity, reduce travel time for industry and passengers, and provide a major boost to Punjab’s industrial, export, and investment ecosystem — particularly benefitting Ludhiana, one of North India’s largest manufacturing hubs.
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Live Blog