The Saturday morning flight between Ludhiana’s Halwara Airport and Delhi has been dropped from Air India’s winter schedule, which came into effect on October 25. The decision has raised concerns among frequent travellers who rely on the service for travel between the two cities.
Halwara Airport Director Jagir Singh confirmed that Air India had discontinued its Saturday morning service, AI 481/482, under the winter schedule.
The move comes as residents of Ludhiana continue to seek better air connectivity. Halwara Airport had raised expectations of improved flight services for people in the region, but the removal of the Saturday morning flight has renewed concerns about the airport’s operations.
A frequent traveller, expressed disappointment over the decision. He said authorities appeared to be taking less interest in the airport and its operations.
He also called for the government and officials concerned to look into the matter, stating that steps were needed to maintain public confidence in the airport. He also expressed concern that Halwara Airport could face a situation similar to Sahnewal Airport if its operations and connectivity did not receive adequate attention.
The development comes amid earlier efforts to address concerns about the airport’s functioning and connectivity.
Congress MP Dr Amar Singh had previously visited Halwara Airport and held a meeting with airport authorities and other officials. During the meeting, he assured residents that their concerns would be addressed.
The Saturday morning flight’s removal from the winter schedule has brought the focus back on the availability of air services from Halwara Airport. However, the available information does not specify whether Air India plans to restore the service or introduce any alternative flight for Saturday morning.
The change took effect with the implementation of the airline’s winter schedule on October 25.