**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation to unstarred question number 3053, posed in Lok Sabha, regarding the commencement of flights from Halwara Airport. The development of the airport has been completed as a joint venture between the State Government of Punjab and the Airports Authority of India. The commencement of RCS flights is pending regulatory and operational requirements by M/s Skyhop Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Halwara Airport Development:**
* The airport's development is a joint venture between the State Government of Punjab and the Airports Authority of India.
* Development work at the airport has been completed.
* **Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN):**
* The RCS route connecting Ludhiana and Hindon was commenced by M/s Flybig under the UDAN 4.2 round of bidding.
* M/s Flybig has novated its RCS rights and obligations to M/s Skyhop Aviation Pvt. Ltd. for continued operation of the RCS routes connecting Halwara.
* **Airline Operations:**
* M/s Skyhop is currently fulfilling regulatory and operational requirements, including obtaining an Air Operator Certificate and acquiring aircraft.
* RCS flights are expected to commence once these prerequisites are met.
* **Deregulation of Domestic Aviation:**
* With the repeal of the Air Corporations Act in March 1994, the Indian domestic aviation was deregulated.
* Airlines are free to induct capacity with any aircraft type and select markets and networks they wish to service and operate.
**Impact Analysis**
**M/s Skyhop Aviation Pvt. Ltd.**
* **Impact:** Responsible for the continued operation of the RCS routes connecting Halwara (instead of Ludhiana) after novation of RCS rights and obligations from M/s Flybig.
* **Action Required:** Fulfill all regulatory and operational requirements, including obtaining an Air Operator Certificate and acquiring necessary aircraft, to commence RCS flights.
**Residents and Industries of Ludhiana and Adjoining Districts**
* **Impact:** Improved regional connectivity and air travel access to residents and industries.
* **Action Required:** No direct action required, but will benefit from the commencement of flights from Halwara Airport.
Key Entities Referenced
Halwara Airport: Airport in Ludhiana, Punjab, whose commencement of civilian flight operations is pending.
Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN: Government scheme to enhance regional air connectivity.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and laws relating to civil aviation.
Airports Authority of India: Joint partner, along with the State Government of Punjab, in the development of the Halwara Airport.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3053
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18th December 2025 )
COMMENCEMENT OF FLIGHTS FROM HALWARA AIRPORT
3053. SHRI AMRINDER SINGH RAJA WARRING
DR. AMAR SINGH
DR. RAJ KUMAR CHABBEWAL
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is aware that the commencement of civilian flight operations
from Halwara Airport in Ludhiana has been long pending despite substantial completion of
infrastructure work and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the reasons for the delay in operationalising the airport including issues related to
clearances, airline participation, runway and terminal readiness or coordination with the
Indian Air Force;
(c) the current status of the project under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN and the
revised timelines fixed for commencement of commercial, domestic and international flights;
(d) whether any airlines have submitted proposals or shown interest in operating from
Halwara Airport and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps being taken by the Government to expedite the operationalisation of the airport
to improve regional connectivity and provide air travel access to the residents and industries
of Ludhiana and adjoining districts
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar
Mohol)
(a) to (e): The Halwara Airport is being developed through a joint venture between the State
Government of Punjab and the Airports Authority of India. The development work at the
airport has been completed.
;
Under the UDAN 4.2 round of bidding, the RCS route connecting Ludhiana and Hindon was
commenced by M/s Flybig. M/s Flybig has novated its RCS rights and obligations to M/s
Skyhop Aviation Pvt. Ltd. for the continued operation of RCS routes connecting Halwara
(instead of Ludhiana). M/s Skyhop is currently fulfilling regulatory and operational
requirements, including obtaining an Air Operator Certificate and acquiring aircraft. RCS
flights are expected to commence once these prerequisites are met.
;
With the repeal of the Air Corporations Act in March 1994, the Indian domestic aviation was
deregulated. Airlines are free to induct capacity with any aircraft type, free to select whatever
markets and network they wish to service and operate.******