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Punjab

Ludhiana Set to Take Flight: Air India to Initiate Operations from Halwara Airport

PUNJAB NEWS EXPRESS | August 29, 2024 10:34 PM

LUDHIANA: In a significant development, Air India has expressed its commitment to start flight operations from Halwara Airport, catering to the travel needs of the entire Malwa region. This milestone was achieved through the tireless efforts of MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora, who has been instrumental in putting Ludhiana on the world map.

A meeting was organised by Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) president Upkar Singh, where Team Air India, comprising Manish Puri (Sales Head India), Kartikey Bhatt (AVP Network Planning), and Gaurav Khanna (Territory Manager), assessed the market potential of Ludhiana.

MP Sanjeev Arora expressed the long-awaited fulfillment for Ludhianvis as Halwara Airport is now operational shortly and bringing a new era of connectivity to Ludhiana. He said that he has made continuous efforts with different departments and also in touch with airlines out of which Air India is already committed to start the flights and other airlines are also shows their interest.

Adding, Arora said the operational Halwara Airport not only offers convenient air travel for Ludhianvis but also brings a host of benefits to the industrial sector. Industrialists in Ludhiana can now leverage the airport's proximity to enhance business operations, facilitate quicker travel for trade purposes, and attract investments by showcasing improved accessibility.

DC Sakshi Sawhney, who was also present at the event, praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. She extended gratitude to the Airport Authorities of India for this significant initiative, emphasizing the enhanced connectivity it brings to the city. The event witnessed a strong interest from the business community in booking air tickets, showcasing the eagerness for this new development. She said "Embrace the winds of change as Ludhiana's industries reach new heights with Halwara Airport. Together, we soar towards a future filled with endless possibilities and boundless growth."

The industrialists assured Team Air India of a fruitful business in Ludhiana, given the strategic location of Halwara Airport. MP Arora's dedication to bringing facilities to the common people of Ludhiana was evident throughout the discussion.

Team Air India confirmed that flight operations will commence post their amalgamation with Vistara Airlines, tentatively in November. This development is set to boost economic growth, enhance connectivity, and create new opportunities for the region.

On the occasion, Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, CICU, honored the chief guests and thanked to MP Arora for his tireless efforts to make this airport operational. The operational Halwara Airport is poised to propel Ludhiana to new heights, offering industrialists the advantage of saving both time and money.

Ahuja said CICU in Ludhiana, along with key stakeholders, has been instrumental in realizing the operational status of Halwara Airport. This development is a testament to the city's progressive approach towards economic growth and industrial advancement. As Ludhiana takes flight with the commencement of operations at Halwara Airport, a new chapter unfolds for the city's industrial landscape. The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) remains committed to fostering growth opportunities and driving prosperity for Ludhiana's thriving industries. Ludhiana's growth trajectory is set to soar with the active involvement of The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings, showcasing a vibrant and forward-thinking approach towards enhancing the city's connectivity and economic prospects.

The meeting was attended by prominent industrialists, including Onkar Singh Pahwa, CMD, Avon Cycles, and top travel agents. Harpreet Singh Sandhu, Honey Sethi, Dr. S.B. Singh, and J.S. Bhogal from CICU added to the event's significance, underlining the collective enthusiasm for this transformative milestone.

Earlier this month, a 4-member high-level team sent by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, the holding company and promoter of all Tata Group companies, had held a meeting with MP Arora in Delhi with regard to possibilities of starting flights from the upcoming Airport at Halwara, after completion of entire work of the airport in the near future.

Meanwhile, Arora said 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 Rs.70 Crores. He said this is the “dream project” of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.

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