Ludhiana Airport (Sahnewal Airport) (IATA: LUH, ICAO: VILD)

The airport is located in Ludhiana, Punjab near Sahnewal. It is located on National Highway 1 (NH1 or GT Road) at 13.6 km from Ludhiana Bus Stand on Ludhiana-Ambala road. Ludhiana airport is approximately 95 km from Chandigarh airport. It is spread over 130.5 Acres at an elevation of 834 ft.
Contact Information

Airport-in-Charge
Airports Authority of India
Ludhiana Airport
Ludhiana (Punjab)

Telephone:
+91-161-2844904
+91-161-2845042

E-Mail: apdludhiana@aai.aero

Sahnewal Airport, commonly known as Ludhiana Airport, serves the city of Ludhiana and its surrounding areas. Located approximately 12 kilometers from Ludhiana city center, this airport primarily handles domestic flights. It is a vital link for residents and businesses in the region, though its operations have been limited due to infrastructural constraints.

Current Infrastructure and Services

The existing Ludhiana Airport operates with a single runway and a modest terminal building. Over the years, the airport has faced challenges in attracting regular commercial flights due to its limited capacity to handle larger aircraft and lack of modern facilities. As of the latest updates, there are no scheduled commercial flights operating from Sahnewal Airport, which has shifted attention to the development of the Halwara Airport nearby.

Plans for Halwara Airport

Halwara Airport, a much-anticipated project, is being developed as a civil enclave within the Halwara Air Force Station. Located approximately 40 kilometers from Ludhiana city, this airport aims to address the limitations of Sahnewal Airport and boost connectivity for the region. The civil terminal at Halwara Airport spans 2,000 square meters and is designed to accommodate domestic and international flights. The project, costing approximately ₹70 crore (excluding land acquisition), represents a collaborative effort between the Punjab government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

As of late 2024, significant progress has been made in the construction of Halwara Airport. The terminal building and other civil works have been completed, and the airport is expected to begin operations in early 2025. The Indian Air Force is in the final stages of completing its tasks to enable the commencement of commercial operations. The introduction of flights at Halwara Airport is expected to revolutionize air travel for Ludhiana, offering better connectivity to major cities and potentially international destinations.

Economic Impact

The operationalization of Halwara Airport is anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the Ludhiana region. Enhanced air connectivity will support the city's thriving industrial sector, facilitating the movement of goods and people. It is also expected to attract business investments and boost the hospitality and tourism sectors. The airport will create employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, contributing to the overall development of the region.

Travel Convenience

Once operational, Halwara Airport will provide residents and businesses with more convenient travel options. The improved infrastructure will allow airlines to operate larger aircraft and offer more frequent flights, reducing dependency on airports in Chandigarh and Delhi. This development is especially beneficial for international travelers and businesspersons who currently face challenges due to limited options at Sahnewal Airport.

Future Prospects

While Sahnewal Airport has served Ludhiana for many years, its limited capabilities have made the development of Halwara Airport a necessity. The transition to Halwara Airport as the primary aviation hub for Ludhiana is expected to be seamless, with the new facility catering to the growing demands of the region. Efforts are underway to ensure that the airport is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet international standards, positioning Ludhiana as a key player in India's aviation network.

Conclusion

The combined efforts of the Punjab government, AAI, and other stakeholders have brought the vision of Halwara Airport closer to reality. With the completion of civil works and the impending commencement of operations, the new airport is set to redefine air travel for Ludhiana and its neighboring areas.

2018: International airport project at Halwara approved by Centre. Halwara is about 33 km by road from Ludhiana Bus Stand and takes about 45 minutes drive.

2017:

• Sahnewal Airport to start flights to Delhi from September 2, 2017. The schedule is as follows (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday):

2016:  Starting from September 1, 2016, Jetsmart.in, a portal that enrolls several charter aircraft operators commenced charter flights from Ludhiana airport. Seats could be booked on an individual basis or the entire aircraft. They operated mostly smaller aircrafts (10 seater). Soon thereafter they stopped their services.

2015: As of March, 2015 Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited (BAPL) is looking into setting up a greenfield international airport in Ludhiana. The company has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Punjab government.

2014: Flight operations stopped at Sahnewal Airport.