Latest news with #HalwaraInternationalAirport
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Geopolitical tensions, labour issues delay last-leg of Ludhiana's Halwara International Airport
Ludhiana: The recent tensions between India and Pakistan disrupted work on the under-construction Halwara International Airport, delaying progress on the high-profile project for at least for 10 to 15 days, a PWD official revealed. Although the airport is in its final stages, construction was halted for several days and later slowed due to labour-related issues, officials said. However, the officer said only around 10% of the work related to the under-construction airport (involving the carpeting of the Link Taxiway) inside the Airforce station is pending, which is expected to be completed in 15 to 20 days. A PWD official mentioned that the height of the boundary wall at the airport is being increased. Of the total 600 metres, 400 metres have already been completed, and the remaining section is expected to be finished within two weeks. He added that once the height is raised, concertina wires will be installed on top for added security. Meanwhile, PWD officials said the process of handing over the newly constructed terminal building and other infrastructure at the airport complex has already begun. Trial runs for systems, including water supply, electricity, fire safety, public health, and air conditioning, have been completed. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo According to AAI sources, the airport is expected to become operational soon, although local authorities have not yet received a specific date. The airport may be inaugurated as early as June. Unlike Sahnewal Airport, which has a shorter runway and lacks low-visibility landing capabilities, Halwara Airport will feature a longer runway and an Instrument Landing System (ILS). They anticipate a strong response to flights from Halwara due to its advanced infrastructure and improved air operation facilities. Meanwhile, residents, especially those in the industry, are anxiously waiting for the airport to become operational. Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum and a local resident, said the industry is waiting for the start of operations, but they want PAN India flights and international flights to run from the airport. He added that currently, they have to go to Chandigarh or Amritsar to take flights to various cities in India and abroad, but there are limited options, and prices are higher, especially from Chandigarh. "If Ludhiana is connected to major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai through direct flights, it will not only ease travel for local entrepreneurs but also open market access for traders from other states," said industrialist Badish Jindal. Ludhiana exports garments, machine tools, agricultural implements, auto parts, and scaffolding to multiple countries. International flight connectivity will significantly boost our export capabilities, he added. Box 1: Halwara Airport Inauguration Expected Soon On May 16, Rajya Sabha MP and AAP Ludhiana West candidate Sanjeev Arora stated that the inauguration of the under-construction Halwara Airport is likely to happen soon. Arora cited an official email sent on May 15 from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) headquarters to its local office, asking them to initiate preparations for the event. He said the inauguration is expected to be presided over by a VIP or VVIP and that the AAI is set to take over the project from the Public Works Department (PWD) shortly, signaling the airport's near completion. Box 2: Halwara to Handle Large Boeing Flights AAI officials revealed that unlike Sahnewal Airport, which accommodates smaller aircraft, Halwara Airport will handle 172-seater Boeing flights. The airport will have three dedicated terminals—international, domestic, and cargo. The current temporary terminal under construction will be repurposed as a cargo terminal once the permanent structures are completed.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Empty seats soar as hopes for Halwara International Airport take off in Ludhiana
Ludhiana: Despite clear skies, city's only commercial flight continues to fly near-empty, reinforcing calls for the swift opening of the under-construction Halwara International Airport . Despite resuming operations last month after a suspension of more than three months, the flight continues to record dismal occupancy, raising concerns over the industrial hub's air connectivity. According to passenger data reviewed by the TOI, the 19-seater flight operating between Sahnewal and Hindon airports has rarely reached double-digit passenger numbers throughout April. On only one occasion — April 9 — did the arriving flight see 11 passengers. For nine of the 16 operating days until April 26, the flight carried five or fewer incoming passengers, including a complete no-show on April 2. Departing flights fared little better. On April 9 and 14, 10 passengers boarded the Sahnewal-to-Hindon service, while on eight operating days, the number of passengers was five or fewer. There was no departure on at least one day. Sources at Sahnewal Airport said the flight did not operate on April 21, 22 and 23, citing operational reasons given by the private airline. An airline official acknowledged the low passenger load, attributing it to repeated cancellations during the winter months, which hurt traveller confidence. While reaffirming the airline's commitment to continue operations for now, the official said they do not expect significant improvement until the under-construction Halwara International Airport becomes operational. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo The official said: "Once Halwara Airport opens, equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that allows landings in low visibility, passenger confidence will rise and cancellations will drop." Local industry representatives voiced frustration over the patchy service. Harsimerjit Singh, president of the United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), said the irregularity of the Sahnewal flights was a major deterrent. "Today, no one knows if the flight will operate or be cancelled. Business travellers need certainty. We expect 100% occupancy once Halwara Airport starts regular operations to multiple destinations," he said. UCPMA represents more than 3,000 industrialists. Other residents echoed similar concerns, with businessman Mandeep Singh noting that frequent train delays and the long road journey to Delhi have made reliable air connectivity a pressing need. The Halwara International Airport project, under construction west of Ludhiana, is seen as a crucial step in integrating the industrial city more closely with major national hubs.
