After several hiccups and nearly a dozen missed deadlines, flight operations from the newly operational Halwara International Airport finally commenced today. Airport authorities and political leaders have now appealed to residents to collectively ensure the airport’s success, hoping that international flight operations could begin in the coming months.
Director of Halwara Airport, Jagir Singh, described the launch as a historic moment, saying the joint efforts of all stakeholders had finally borne fruit. However, he stressed that sustaining the airport’s operations would require continued public support.
“The airport should become so popular that authorities are compelled to start international flights from here. For that, collective efforts will again be needed. I hope the people of Ludhiana continue supporting and helping make this airport the best in the region,” said Singh.
However, there is still fear among authorities that it must not meet the fate of Sahnewal airport.
Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu appealed to residents to support the airport and push for international connectivity from Halwara.
“We have seen this land 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,” said Bittu.
Niman Dhawan, a local resident who booked an afternoon flight from Halwara to Assam via Delhi, said the airport had brought immense convenience to travellers.
“It is extremely convenient. I’m finishing my last-minute work before leaving for the airport, which is barely an hour away. Halwara International Airport must not meet the fate of Sahnewal Airport. Ludhiana residents had been waiting for proper air connectivity for years,” she said.
Another passenger, Dr Gauhar Vatsayan, who arrived from Kolkata, said travelling directly to Ludhiana by air had saved considerable time and effort.
“Earlier, people had to depend on taxis or trains after landing elsewhere. Now, within minutes, we are in Ludhiana. My vehicle is waiting outside and there is none of the maddening rush one experiences in Delhi,” said Dr Vatsayan.
It may be mentioned that after missing multiple deadlines, Halwara International Airport finally became operational today. Initially, Air India will operate two daily flights between Delhi and Halwara using an Airbus A320 aircraft.
In contrast, Sahnewal Airport failed to sustain operations due to several issues, one of the major being poor visibility on the airstrip. Despite repeated efforts to address the shortcomings, the airport could not revive regular operations.
