Explainer: Ambala’s domestic airport to transform regional connectivity

After the inauguration of the airport in Hisar, the civil enclave (domestic airport) in Ambala Cantonment is also getting ready to start its operations soon. The Haryana Government had started the ambitious project to transform the regional connectivity and economic activity in the region.

When was the project started?

In December 2018, the civil enclave project was approved, under the Udan 3.0 scheme by the Central Government. The project got stuck due to the land-related issues. The foundation stone of the project was laid in October 2023 by the then Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar. After missing several deadlines, the project is now in its final leg.

What challenges did the Haryana Govt face in getting approvals?

After a long search for a suitable land, a 20-acre defence land next to the Air Force station was identified for the terminal, and the runway of the Air Force would be used for the project. Getting the defence land for the project and approvals to use the runway of the Air Force was a mammoth task due to the strategic importance of the Air Force and the presence of aircraft, including Rafale here. The land was acquired at a whopping cost of Rs 133 crore.

On which routes will the flights fly?

As per the information, the passengers will get flights for Ambala-Srinagar route from here initially and then flights for Lucknow will be started. Flights for Ambala-Jammu and Ambala-Ayodhya are also expected at a later stage.

What is the current status?

While the civil work is completed, the security equipment are being installed at the airport. After the installation, a team of the Airports Authority of India will visit the airport, and then the operations will begin. The Haryana Police have been deployed and a capsule course has been conducted. The staff for the airport is to be deployed. The work of the second phase of the airport will begin soon.

What are the expectations from the airport?

Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, who played a key role in getting approvals from the Central Government, believes that Ambala’s domestic airport will be successful as Ambala is an old and big junction and people from various states reach here daily. The airport will transform the connectivity of this region and foster industrial growth, leading to the creation of job opportunities and infra