CICU Urges Government to Make Halwara Airport Operational Without Further Delay

Ludhiana, October 27, 2025: The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) has strongly urged the Government of India and the Government of Punjab to make Halwara Airport operational at the earliest. The project has been pending for a long time, causing significant inconvenience to the business community and general public of Ludhiana and surrounding industrial areas.
CICU stated that the industry has been eagerly waiting for commercial flight operations from Halwara Airport, which would provide critical air connectivity for exporters, entrepreneurs, and investors. The lack of an operational airport in the industrial hub of Punjab is hampering business growth, travel convenience, and investment opportunities.
Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, CICU, emphasized that “Halwara Airport holds strategic importance for the industrial sector of Ludhiana. Quick operationalization will not only ease travel for industrialists but also attract new investors to Punjab, strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness.” He further added that the long delay has created significant challenges for business leaders who frequently travel for exports, trade fairs, and industrial collaborations.
Jaswinder Bhogal, Organising Secretary, CICU, stated that “Air connectivity is a vital enabler for industrial expansion and global linkages. The government must take proactive steps to start flight operations from Halwara at the earliest to support entrepreneurs and MSMEs who are the backbone of Punjab’s economy.”
CICU has already written to the Prime Minister, Industry Minister Punjab, Civil Aviation Minister and other concerned authorities in the past, emphasizing the urgent need to expedite the commencement of flights from Halwara. The matter has become even more pressing now, as Chandigarh Airport is under maintenance, causing further disruption to air travel for industrialists and business travellers from the region.
CICU appeals to the Central and State Governments to take immediate action and ensure that Halwara Airport becomes functional without any further delay. Early operationalization will not only strengthen industrial growth in Ludhiana but also boost economic activity and connectivity across Punjab.