Halwara International Airport has witnessed significant passenger traffic in its first month of operations. According to airport data, 7,008 passengers used the facility to travel to and from Ludhiana over 26 days, from May 15 to June 10. After missing about a dozen deadlines, the airport finally became operational on May 15.
Passenger Numbers Show Growth
Between June 1 and June 10, 1,368 passengers arrived at Halwara Airport, averaging around 137 passengers per day. This marks a 31 percent increase compared to the period between May 15 and May 31. Departures saw an even sharper rise of 67 percent during the same period, with 1,921 passengers departing, averaging nearly 192 passengers daily. In May, when flight operations began, the average daily arrivals were 105 passengers, while departures averaged 115 passengers per day.
Union Minister Reviews Operations
A review meeting with airport officials was held by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during his visit to Ludhiana three days ago. He arrived by air from Delhi to Halwara, underscoring the airport's connectivity.
First Month Celebrations
To mark the completion of one month of operations, airport authorities organized several activities. A selfie corner featuring a cardboard sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set up with the caption 'Naye Bharat Ki Udaan', where passengers enthusiastically took photographs. Other events included honoring airport staff, felicitating women employees, welcoming passengers with sweets and 'tilak', and the singing of Vande Mataram outside the main terminal premises.
An airport staff member mentioned that although the airport currently operates with limited manpower, operations are being managed efficiently, and every effort is being made to ensure a hassle-free experience for passengers.
