MP discusses Halwara, Sahnewal airports’ issues with Aviation Minister

Ludhiana, August 19

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora recently met Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi and took up the issue of irregular flight operations by Big Charter Airlines on the Sahnewal-Hindon Route. He also urged the minister to expedite all clearances required for making Halwara Airport operational at the earliest.

Giving this information here today, Arora said during his meeting, he expressed his deep concern over the persistent irregularities in flight operations from Sahnewal to Hindon by Big Charter Airlines.

Arora apprised the minister that the Sahnewal and Hindon air route was awarded to the airlines under the UDAN scheme with the primary objective of providing affordable and accessible air connectivity to the residents of Ludhiana and its surrounding areas.

He highlighted that despite the Union Government’s support through the UDAN scheme, Big Charter Airlines had consistently failed to adhere to the stipulated flight schedule of five days a week. He said, “ This unprofessional conduct has caused much inconvenience and frustration to passengers, negatively impacting their travel plans and business commitments.

He urged the minister to take immediate and stringent action against the airlines for their blatant disregard of the UDAN scheme guidelines.

He also drew the minister’s attention to the near completion of the terminal building at Halwara Airport, near Ludhiana. He apprised the minister that this was a significant milestone in the development of air connectivity in the region.

Arora requested the minister to immediately intervene to help commence operations at the airport by personally requesting airlines for making aircrafts available. He said given the airport’s capacity to handle wide-bodied aircraft, it had the potential to serve as a major aviation hub for the region.

He urged the minister to encourage domestic airlines to initiate flight operations from Halwara Airport to various domestic destinations. “This will not only provide much-needed air connectivity to the residents of Ludhiana but will also facilitate the transportation of cargo across the country, as Ludhiana is one of the major industrial hubs of Punjab,” Arora added.

Arora said operationalising Halwara Airport would give impetus to the economic development of the region and significantly enhance the lives of its people. — TNS