Begin flights from Ambala airport, minister exhorted

Rajya Sabha member Kartikeya Sharma on Monday met Central Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to call for early operationalisation of the Domestic

Airport, Ambala Cantonment, and the development of aviation training infrastructure in Haryana.

During the discussion, Kartikeya Sharma informed the minister that, despite being one of the oldest airports in the

country, the Ambala airport had not yet seen the commencement of commercial flight services under the RCS-UDAN scheme.

The MP emphasised that the operationalisation of the Ambala Airport would directly benefit Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, and other surrounding districts. Furthermore, the airport would also serve as a crucial alternative hub for Chandigarh Airport during adverse weather conditions.

In December 2018, the Civil Airport Project was approved, under the Udan 3.0 scheme by the Centre. The foundation stone for the project was laid in October 2023. While the civil work was completed last year, equipment were installed this year, but the airport is yet to start operations.

At the meeting, the Rajya Sabha member also stressed the need to enhance aviation skills and pilot training opportunities for the youth of Haryana. He proposed developing a pilot training and flying school hub in the Kalka-Pinjore region and expanding the Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation to meet the growing demand for

aviation professionals in the country.

Kartikeya Sharma said the Civil Aviation Minister responded positively to the issues raised and provided detailed information on the status of the Ambala Airport project and the future action plan. Acknowledging the importance of regional airports, the minister gave assurance that the proposals related to pilot training and flying schools in the Pinjore region would be considered seriously.

Sharma said such focused discussions were instrumental in completion of long-pending projects. Continuous efforts were being made for the overall development, job creation, and infrastructure strengthening of Ambala and the surrounding areas.