Chandigarh, Nov 11: Punjab’s aviation sector is seeing renewed momentum under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which has stepped up investment in airports and regional air routes in a bid to strengthen the state’s industrial and tourism links.
After taking office in March 2022, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government made aviation a core part of its 2022 Industrial and Business Development Policy, calling it a “driver of economic connectivity.”
According to officials, the state has invested between ₹150 crore and ₹200 crore toward airport infrastructure, including the revival of stalled projects and expansion of existing facilities.
A major example is the Halwara International Airport near Ludhiana, where work had been stalled due to funding and administrative delays. Officials said construction resumed after the state released ₹60 crore from its treasury to restart the project. “We wanted to ensure Ludhiana’s industries are reconnected to the world,” a senior government official said.
The airport’s interim terminal was completed by April 2025 and inaugurated on July 27. The state assembly later approved naming the airport after freedom fighter Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha. Authorities estimate that once operational, the facility could generate around 10,000 jobs and significantly improve trade links for Punjab’s manufacturing hub.
Alongside new infrastructure, the government has also focused on upgrading the Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar. Passenger traffic there rose by 22.6% in 2024–25, surpassing 3.5 million travellers. New international connections — including to Kuala Lumpur, London, Rome and Verona — have helped the airport reach record numbers.
In July 2024, AirAsia X recognised Amritsar as its “Best Station” among 24 global destinations for maintaining a 95% on-time record and improved passenger facilities. Officials said more routes are under discussion with airlines operating in West Asia and Europe.
Regional connectivity has also expanded. With support from the Centre, operations have resumed from Adampur and Bathinda airports. Flights from Adampur to Mumbai and Jaipur are expected to boost the Doaba region’s travel links.
The government has also allocated ₹200 crore for an 8.5-km access road to Chandigarh Airport, aimed at improving connectivity to the tri-city region.
Officials say the goal is to position Punjab as a North India aviation hub. “Every region — Doaba, Majha and Malwa — must be connected by air,” said a senior civil aviation department officer. “This approach is about linking jobs and industry to global opportunities.”
