Ludhiana: Since private airlines commenced two commercial flights from Halwara Airport, airport authorities have reported a decent initial response. Occupancy rates have fluctuated between 40% and 65% over the past week. Sources within a private airline indicated that while some flights carried over 100 passengers, they aim for 75% to 80% occupancy.
Occupancy Data Analysis
Data from May 29 to June 3 for flights between Halwara and IGI Airport shows the lowest occupancy at 40.8% on June 2, and the highest at 62.5% on May 29. On five out of six days, occupancy remained at 45% or higher. Inbound and outbound flights exceeded 100 passengers five times, with the highest count being 145 on a departure flight on June 1 morning.
Airport Official's Perspective
Airport Director Jagir Singh noted that many flights carried over 100 passengers, indicating healthy traffic. Sources added that while the morning arrival from Delhi often has fewer passengers, the departure flight sees decent numbers. The second flight between Halwara and Delhi shows better passenger loads for both directions.
Expectations for Future Growth
An anonymous airport official stated that the private airline's schedule for connecting flights to domestic and international destinations is expected to boost passenger numbers. Each flight has a capacity of around 160 passengers. A source from the airline mentioned that it will take about a month to gauge the true response, and they hope to achieve 75% to 80% occupancy.
Residents' Views
Many residents believe the response will improve. Harish Kairpal, a city resident and treasurer of the Knitwear Club, said that flights limited to Delhi and Halwara may not attract high numbers, but connecting flights with short layovers would increase passenger load. He noted that several acquaintances have already used the service.
