1 week Ago By Shariq Majeed
Ludhiana: Despite clear skies, city's only commercial flight continues to fly near-empty, reinforcing calls for the swift opening of the under-construction Halwara International Airport . Despite resuming operations last month after a suspension of more than three months, the flight continues to record dismal occupancy, raising concerns over the industrial hub's air connectivity. According to passenger data reviewed by the TOI, the 19-seater flight operating between Sahnewal and Hindon airports has rarely reached double-digit passenger numbers throughout April.
On only one occasion — April 9 — did the arriving flight see 11 passengers. For nine of the 16 operating days until April 26, the flight carried five or fewer incoming passengers, including a complete no-show on April 2. Departing flights fared little better.
On April 9 and 14, 10 passengers boarded the Sahnewal-to-Hindon service, while on eight operating days, the number of passengers was five or fewer. There was no departure on at least one day. Sources at Sahnewal Airport said the flight did not operate on April 21, 22 and 23, citing operational reasons given by the private airline.
An airline official acknowledged the low passenger load, attributing it to repeated cancellations during the winter months, which hurt traveller confidence. While reaffirming the airline's commitment to continue operations for now, the official said they do not expect significant improvement until the under-construction Halwara International Airport becomes operational. The official said: "Once Halwara Airport opens, equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that allows landings in low visibility, passenger confidence will rise and cancellations will drop.
" Local industry representatives voiced frustration over the patchy service. Harsimerjit Singh, president of the United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), said the irregularity of the Sahnewal flights was a major deterrent. "Today, no one knows if the flight will operate or be cancelled.
Business travellers need certainty. We expect 100% occupancy once Halwara Airport starts regular operations to multiple destinations," he said. UCPMA represents more than 3,000 industrialists.
Other residents echoed similar concerns, with businessman Mandeep Singh noting that frequent train delays and the long road journey to Delhi have made reliable air connectivity a pressing need. The Halwara International Airport project, under construction west of Ludhiana, is seen as a crucial step in integrating the industrial city more closely with major national hubs..
