In a major boost to regional aviation in India, Air India has officially become the first airline to announce commercial flights to Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, Punjab. This long-awaited development is set to transform connectivity for one of India’s key industrial hubs.
First Flights to Halwara Airport Announced
Air India has confirmed the launch of direct flights between Delhi and Halwara (Ludhiana), marking the airport’s entry into commercial aviation.
- Flights expected to commence from May 15, 2026
- Route: Delhi – Halwara (Ludhiana)
- Aircraft: Airbus A320 (expected)
- Frequency: Initially two daily flights
About Halwara Airport (Ludhiana)
Halwara International Airport is a newly developed aviation hub aimed at boosting connectivity in Punjab.
- Located about 32 km from Ludhiana city
- Inaugurated in February 2026
- Designed to handle aircraft like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737
The airport replaces older, limited facilities and is expected to serve both domestic and future international routes.
Why this Launch is important?
The introduction of flights from Halwara is a game-changer for the region:
- Cuts travel time to Delhi to around 80 minutes
- Enhances connectivity for business and industrial sectors
- Opens access to international routes via Delhi hub
- Expected to boost exports, trade, and investment in Punjab
Ludhiana, often called India’s manufacturing backbone, will now have direct air connectivity after years of delay.
Flight Schedule & Connectivity
Initial operations are expected to include:
Morning and afternoon departures from Delhi
Same-day return flights from Halwara
Seamless international connections via Delhi
Passengers can connect to global destinations like London, Paris, and Milan through single-ticket itineraries via Delhi.
Schedule of Flights Between Delhi (DEL) and Halwara (HWR)
| FLIGHT # | CITY PAIR | DEPARTURE | ARRIVAL | DAYS OF OPERATION |
| AI481 | Delhi – Halwara (Ludhiana) | 05:55 | 07:05 | Daily |
| AI482 | Halwara (Ludhiana) – Delhi | 07:55 | 09:10 | Daily |
| AI483 | Delhi -Halwara (Ludhiana) | 12:55 | 14:10 | Daily |
| AI484 | Halwara (Ludhiana) – Delhi | 14:40 | 15:55 | Daily |
Note: All times are indicated in local time zones.
Past Delays & Final Launch
The Halwara project faced multiple delays due to:
Security clearances from the Indian Air Force
Infrastructure readiness and approvals
Operational coordination between agencies
After years of waiting, the airport is finally ready, with Air India leading the rollout.
What Travelers Should Know?
Travelers are advised to check flight status regularly and book early.
- Bookings have already opened for select dates
- High demand expected, especially for inaugural flights
- Passengers may experience minor scheduling adjustments initially.
Future Expansion Plans
The airport is expected to evolve into a major aviation hub in North India. The launch is just the beginning:
- More domestic routes (Mumbai, Bengaluru) expected soon
- Other airlines like IndiGo likely to follow
- Potential international routes in future phases
Conclusion
With Air India launching the first flights to Halwara Airport, Ludhiana is finally connected to India’s aviation network. This milestone marks a new era for Punjab’s economy, travel, and global accessibility.