In a significant boost to the region’s connectivity, the much-anticipated international airport at the Halwara air base is on the verge of completion, with final touches scheduled for April 30. This development marks the culmination of a Rs 50-crore project that, despite multiple delays and over 15 missed deadlines, is finally poised to take off.
Final Countdown to Take-Off
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain has been at the forefront of ensuring that no stone is left unturned as officials race against the clock. In a recent meeting with senior officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Jain emphasized the urgency of completing the remaining 10 per cent of work on the airbase. “We are coordinating with all departments—ranging from the Public Works Department and central agencies to private contractors—to address any pending issues immediately,” he stated. Among the critical tasks to be wrapped up are approvals from the Central Electricity Authority, fire safety clearances, signage installations at both the arrival and departure terminals, lighting and cabling for the taxiway and apron areas, and the installation of advanced surveillance and operational systems.
Hitting the Right Codes
The project has already reached an important milestone with the issuance of an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) code, “VIHX”, for the Halwara IAF Station—a necessary step before commercial operations can begin. However, the three-letter International Air Transport Association (IATA) code is still under review by the IAF, with further updates expected soon. Once the terminal is officially handed over by the state government to the AAI, the final operational date for the airport will be confirmed.
Modernizing Punjab’s Air Connectivity
The new facility, provisionally known as Halwara Airport, is set to replace the smaller Sahnewal airport that currently serves Ludhiana. As Punjab’s industrial and business hub, with a population nearing four million, the state has long awaited an upgrade in its air transport infrastructure. The new international airport will not only cater to Ludhiana but also serve neighboring regions, bolstering the connectivity and economic growth of the entire state.
Air India, one of the nation’s leading carriers, has already announced plans to commence flights from Ludhiana as soon as the airport becomes operational. This proactive move signals a fresh era in regional air travel, promising both increased passenger traffic and enhanced cargo handling capabilities.
On-Site Progress and Future Prospects
Officials report that while major construction work such as the overlaying of Taxi-A, Taxi-D, and the New Link Taxi routes within the IAF premises is complete, the final overlaying of the runway remains underway. Additional pending works include casting operations, runway relaying, installation of directional signage, and the construction of a dedicated ground support equipment area, among others. These tasks are being fast-tracked to meet the April 30 deadline.
As government departments, the IAF, and the AAI synchronize their efforts, the emphasis remains on swift and seamless coordination. With the operational approval process in full swing and the bidding process for airline operations soon to be launched, Ludhiana’s airport is expected to open a new chapter in regional connectivity and economic development.
For residents and businesses in Punjab, the airport’s launch represents not only an infrastructural upgrade but also a significant step toward enhanced global integration and commercial dynamism. As the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place, all eyes remain fixed on April 30—the day when Ludhiana is set to take flight into a new era of international connectivity.
