Air India begins commercial operations to Ludhiana’s Halwara airport with daily Delhi flights

CHANDIGARH: Air India on Friday commenced operations to Ludhiana (Halwara), becoming the first airline to operate commercial services to the newly operational airport, connecting Ludhiana to Delhi and beyond to destinations around the world.

Air India in an official statement, said the inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Ludhiana’s Halwara airport at 7:03 am today, and the return flight from Ludhiana departed at 8 am. Air India will operate two daily flights between Delhi and Ludhiana using its A320 family aircraft, the statement read.

Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Friday termed the operationalisation of Halwara Airport a “historic moment” for Punjab and said it fulfilled Ludhiana’s nearly three-decade-old demand for direct air connectivity.

In a post on X, Vikramjit Singh said he boarded the inaugural flight to Ludhiana along with Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu and MP Rajinder Gupta. “Boarded the inaugural flight to Ludhiana today with Union MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu and MP Rajinder Gupta,” he posted on X.

Punjab: Ludhiana has now been connected to India’s commercial aviation network with the arrival of the first Air India flight at Halwara Airport from Delhi this morning.

Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, along with MPs Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Rajinder Gupta,… pic.twitter.com/Ov9NdjAIIC

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 15, 2026

The new flights to and from Ludhiana are timed to offer seamless onward connectivity via Delhi to Air India’s international network, including to destinations such as London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham, enabling guests to travel seamlessly using a single ticket and unified baggage allowance, with through check-in of baggage.

Air India guests will also enjoy the convenience of same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport to connect between their domestic and international flights.

The airline announced the following daily flight schedule between Delhi and Ludhiana (Halwara): AI481 will depart from Delhi at 5:55 am and arrive in Ludhiana at 7:05 am, while AI482 will depart from Ludhiana at 7:55 am and reach Delhi at 9:10 am. Similarly, AI483 will depart Delhi at 12:55 pm and arrive in Ludhiana at 2:10 pm, while AI484 will depart Ludhiana at 2:40 pm and land in Delhi at 3:55 pm.

Calling the development a major boost for the region, the BJP MP said the operationalisation of Halwara Airport would strengthen industry, trade and exports in Ludhiana.

“The operationalisation of Halwara Airport is a historic moment for Punjab and the fulfilment of Ludhiana’s nearly 30-year-old demand for direct air connectivity. This major gift of the Central Government under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi will give a huge boost to Ludhiana’s industry, trade, exports and economic growth,” he said.

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, expressing his joy, also said this inaugural flight from Delhi to Ludhiana marks the beginning of a new chapter for Punjab.

Air India has successfully completed its inaugural flights from Delhi to Halwara and back from Halwara to Delhi.
Throughout both journeys, our dedicated ground staff and exceptional onboard crew went above and beyond, welcoming passengers with warmth and ensuring a seamless,… pic.twitter.com/ngFTFTScy2

— Ravneet Singh Bittu (@RavneetBittu) May 15, 2026

“There is no feeling like landing in your own city on a historic flight. I am deeply touched by the overwhelming and warm welcome I received at Halwara Airport today. Seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of my brothers and sisters from Ludhiana made this journey even more special. This flight from Delhi marks the beginning of a new chapter for Punjab. The 30-year-long wait has finally ended with a grand touchdown. Thank you, Ludhiana, for this incredible love,” he posted on X.

Earlier in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the terminal building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana. According to an official release, the terminal building inaugurated by the PM at Halwara Airport was developed to establish a new gateway for the state, catering to Ludhiana and its surrounding industrial and agricultural hinterland.

Located in the Ludhiana district, Halwara is also home to a strategically important Indian Air Force station. The earlier airport at Ludhiana had a relatively small runway suitable only for small aircraft. A new civil enclave was developed at Halwara with a longer runway capable of handling A320-type aircraft to enhance connectivity and accommodate larger planes.

Meanwhile, Air India had earlier announced a temporary rationalisation of several international routes through August 2026 due to ongoing airspace restrictions in certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices impacting operational viability.

According to an earlier statement issued by the airline, despite temporary reductions on select routes, Air India will continue operating over 1,200 international flights every month across five continents.

The airline had also stated that affected passengers on revised international routes would be provided alternative travel arrangements, free date changes or full refunds, as applicable. (ANI)