Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Aam Aadmi Party government has prioritized the aviation sector as a key component of its vision for a “Rangla Punjab.”
Since March 2022, the government has implemented a comprehensive plan to make aviation a driver of Punjab’s economy, industrial connectivity, and tourism. The 2022 Industrial and Business Development Policy emphasized airport-led industrial corridors, supported by investments exceeding ₹100 crore.
A major milestone in this effort is the Halwara International Airport project near Ludhiana. Though initiated by previous governments, the project had nearly stalled by 2022 due to funding and administrative delays, adversely affecting Ludhiana’s global industrial connectivity.
Recognizing the strategic importance, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann personally intervened, directing the release of ₹60 crore from the state treasury to resume construction, ensuring the project progressed without financial obstacles.
The results have been notable. By April 2025, construction of the interim terminal was completed, and it was inaugurated on July 27, 2025. The state assembly also approved naming the airport after freedom fighter Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha. Once fully operational, the airport is expected to benefit Ludhiana’s manufacturing belt and generate approximately 10,000 jobs.
The government has also focused on modernizing existing airports. Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar has seen unprecedented growth, with passenger traffic rising 22.6% in FY 2024–25, surpassing 3.5 million passengers, a historic high.
Enhanced international connectivity has led to new flights from Amritsar to cities including Kuala Lumpur, London, Rome, and Verona. In July 2024, AirAsia X awarded Amritsar Airport the “Best Station Award” among 24 international airports for its 95% on-time performance and upgraded passenger facilities.
Regional air connectivity has also improved. Flights from Adampur (Jalandhar) and Bathinda have resumed successfully, with new routes announced from Adampur to Mumbai and Jaipur, boosting the Doaba region’s connectivity. This underscores the government’s commitment to connecting all parts of Punjab by air.
Overall, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has invested between ₹150 crore and ₹200 crore in the aviation sector. From constructing an 8.5-km road to Chandigarh Airport at ₹200 crore, reviving the Halwara project, to expanding Amritsar’s global reach, these initiatives are transforming Punjab into an emerging aviation hub. The state’s skies are witnessing a new era of progress under the AAP government’s vision.
