Ludhiana Set to Get Air Connectivity Boost as BCAS Team Reaching Halwara Airport for Clearance: Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu

Ludhiana, October 6, 2025: After years of wait and persistent demand from the people of Ludhiana, the long-cherished dream of air connectivity from the city is finally inching closer to reality. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is set to visit Ludhiana to conduct building clearance checks at Halwara Airport, marking a crucial step towards operationalizing the facility.

The move comes as a major breakthrough for Ludhiana, which has been deprived of regular commercial flights despite being one of Punjab’s most important industrial and commercial hubs. The upcoming inspection will clear the way for necessary security approvals, paving the path for civil flight operations from Halwara — a development awaited for decades.

Local representatives and citizens have long voiced their aspirations for improved connectivity, which they believe will not only make travel more convenient but also provide a significant push to industry, trade, and investment. With Halwara Airport’s progress gaining momentum, these hopes are finally turning into reality.

Union Minister of State for Railways & Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu on his social media page said: “After long toil and long wait of the people of Ludhiana, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is reaching Ludhiana to check the building clearance of Halwara Airport. It's been my wish for a long time that Ludhiana gets this gift — now the dream is coming true. This step is a major milestone towards making Ludhiana's air connectivity dream a reality — which will take Punjab's development to new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji.”

With BCAS clearance expected soon, Halwara Airport is poised to emerge as a vital link in Punjab’s aviation map, connecting Ludhiana to other major cities of the country and boosting economic activity in the region.

On September 30, 2025, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain had also conducted a thorough inspection of Halwara International Airport. The officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Airports Authority of India (AAI), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), drainage departments, and representatives from contractual firms were also present. 

During the visit, DC Jain had inspected critical infrastructure, including the terminal building, taxiway within the Airforce station, trolley gate, apron operational area, parking facilities and other key areas. The departments had informed the Deputy Commissioner that work is fully complete. During inspection, an implementation report was also found satisfactory. 

DC had stated that the administration would now be writing to the Punjab civil aviation department to take up the handover formalities with AAI. He had also emphasized seamless coordination between the district administration and other agencies to ensure the airport’s swift operationalization. 

Expressing optimism, Jain had highlighted the airport’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth, stating, "Halwara International Airport will drive industrial development, boost exports, and create substantial employment opportunities in the region."

It may be mentioned here that the airport has the capacity to accommodate 300 passengers in one go. The airport has the provision for expansion in the future. Two wide bodied aircrafts can be parked at one time.

The airport is being set up in an area measuring 161.28 acres. Of this area, the built-up Terminal area is 2,000 square metres. The total project cost excluding land is around 70 Crores.