Air India announced on April 2 it will launch two daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Halwara (Ludhiana), beginning May 15. The airline said the new service will offer same-day connectivity via Delhi to destinations across the United Kingdom and Europe on a single ticket, with through-checked baggage.
The route was announced in a post on Air India’s official social media account, which said the airline will be the first to operate commercial flights from Halwara Airport. The company said the service is intended to expand access from Ludhiana to its broader network via its Delhi hub.
Ludhiana is recognized as Punjab’s primary industrial hub, with significant manufacturing operations in textiles, hosiery, and bicycle production. Thousands of small and medium enterprises in Ludhiana contribute substantially to Punjab’s economy and export volumes. Enhanced air connectivity from this new route is expected to streamline business travel and logistics for local industries. Regional economic analyses indicate that improved transport infrastructure in such manufacturing centers can support further investment and trade growth in Punjab, as reported by The Tribune.
India’s domestic aviation sector has seen steady growth due to expanded route networks and rising passenger volumes across regional centers like Ludhiana. Carriers have been adding services to smaller cities in response to demand for efficient business and leisure travel. New connections such as Delhi-Halwara are part of broader efforts supporting economic linkages between manufacturing hubs and major gateways, according to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).
Air India operates an extensive domestic and international network serving passengers across multiple continents with a large fleet of modern aircraft. The airline returned to private ownership under the Tata Group in 2022 and has since announced plans to expand its network and improve connectivity within India, including linking Halwara to global destinations, according to Air India’s official website.
