Ludhiana (Halwara)

Halwara International Airport opens a new chapter in the history of transport accessibility for Ludhiana, transforming a strategic military facility into a modern civil aviation gateway. This ambitious project is designed to replace the outdated Sahnewal Airport, offering residents and guests of the "Manchester of India" the opportunity to fly on modern liners without the need to travel to distant hubs. The airport combines the reliability of military infrastructure with the comfort of a new passenger terminal, becoming a key link connecting the industrial centre of Punjab with the rest of the world.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

A key advantage of Halwara Airport is its runway. Unlike the old Ludhiana airport (Sahnewal), the runway length here allows for the reception of large narrow-body and even some wide-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A321 or Boeing 737. This removes restrictions on flight range and opens up prospects for launching direct flights to major cities in India and abroad.

The status of a Civil Enclave (a civil sector within a military base) guarantees travellers an enhanced level of security and impeccable maintenance of the airfield, which is under the jurisdiction of the Indian Air Force. The new terminal, while concise in design, is engineered with modern ergonomic requirements in mind: it features spacious check-in areas and intuitive navigation, helping to avoid overcrowding.

Although the airport is located further from the city centre than its predecessor, this is compensated by the absence of strict weather restrictions. The modern navigation equipment of the Halwara base allows landings even in poor visibility conditions, which significantly reduces the risk of flight cancellations or delays during the winter period when fog is frequent in Punjab.

As Halwara Airport (HWR) is new and in the final stages of construction, many standard contact details for passengers have not yet been published. Below is the most up-to-date information currently available.

• Official Website: At the moment, Halwara Airport does not have its own dedicated website. All official information regarding construction progress, opening dates, and future flights is published on the portal of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which is the airport operator.
• Helpline Number: A dedicated helpline for passengers will be organised after the official opening of the airport for commercial flights. It is recommended to follow news on the AAI website.
• Airport Address: Halwara Air Force Station, Halwara, Punjab 141107, India. The airport is located approximately 40 km southwest of the city of Ludhiana.
• Email and Social Media: Official email addresses and social media pages for the airport will be created closer to the date of its full launch.
• Lost & Found Information: Lost baggage tracing services are provided by the airlines. Once flights commence, you will need to contact your airline's representative at the airport directly.
• Customer Support Contacts: Support service contact details will be available once the airport begins servicing regular flights.

For travellers planning a trip to India, it is important to check the status of Halwara Airport immediately before departure, as launch dates may be subject to change.

When planning a trip to Halwara Airport, it is important to remember that it is located at a significant distance from the city centre of Ludhiana — approximately 40 kilometres. This means you should allocate sufficient time for the journey. Depending on traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transport, the trip may take from 1 to 1.5 hours, and longer during peak hours.

The most convenient and popular way to get to the airport is by taxi or private transfer. Ride-hailing services popular in India, such as Ola and Uber, operate in the city, offering rides at fixed or estimated fares. You can also use local taxi services or pre-book a transfer through your hotel or travel agency. This option is especially recommended for travellers with a large amount of luggage or those who value comfort and predictability.

For budget-conscious travellers, there is an option with public transport, although it will require more time and effort. There may not be a direct bus route to the airport, so you will likely have to take a city or intercity bus to the nearest settlement to the airport (for example, the town of Halwara itself), and from there take local transport, such as an auto-rickshaw. This method is suitable for those travelling light and ready for a bit of adventure.

Car rental is another available option. In Ludhiana, you can rent a car for self-driving or, as is more common among tourists, with a driver. The latter option eliminates the need to navigate complex Indian traffic and search for parking, offering the comfort of a personal transfer with flexibility regarding time. Keep in mind that there is no metro in Ludhiana, and the railway station is located in the city centre and is not directly connected to the airport.

If you plan to travel to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is generally provided on its premises. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are usually available. It is recommended to check current information on space availability and tariffs on official airport resources in advance, as infrastructure may be developing.

The new Halwara Airport in Ludhiana (HWR) is designed as a modern and compact aviation hub. According to the project, it will feature one new passenger terminal, intended to serve both departing and arriving domestic passengers. It is planned that all infrastructure will be housed in one building, making navigation for future travellers intuitive and fast.

The proposed terminal layout is extremely simple. Since there will be only one building, passengers will not have to worry about transferring between different blocks. Departure and arrival zones will be arranged logically and sequentially. It is expected that upon entering the terminal, passengers will find themselves in a general hall with Check-in counters. After registration and baggage drop, their route will pass through the security screening area into a comfortable departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone will include baggage claim belts and an exit to the city.

A key feature of the terminal will be its novelty and functionality, aimed at efficient passenger flow management without unnecessary complications. As this will be a regional airport, it is assumed that completing all pre-flight formalities will take significantly less time than in the major aviation hubs of India. It is expected that flight check-in and security screening will proceed without long queues. Nevertheless, after the airport opens, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure.

For navigation within the airport, simply following standard signs for "Departures" and "Arrivals" will clearly indicate all key zones. The compact size of the terminal will allow for easy orientation, even on a first visit. Getting lost will be practically impossible, making future travel through Ludhiana Airport maximally comfortable and predictable.

The history of Ludhiana (Halwara) International Airport is a unique example of transforming a strategic military facility into a modern civil aviation gateway. Initially, this was not a civil airport in the traditional sense; its history is closely tied to the Indian Air Force and the Halwara Air Force Station, one of the oldest and most significant in the country.

Halwara Air Force Station was established shortly after the country gained independence and has played a key role in securing the northern borders for decades. It was a forward base during various historical events, which cemented its status as one of the most important IAF facilities. For a long time, Ludhiana's civil air traffic was served by the small Sahnewal Airport (LUH) with limited capabilities.

The main phase of Halwara's development as a civil airport began in the 2010s. Due to the growth of Ludhiana as a major industrial and economic centre, an urgent need arose for a modern airport capable of accommodating large aircraft and servicing international flights. A decision was made to build a new civil terminal on the grounds of the existing Halwara military airbase, utilising its long and well-equipped runway.

Significant modernisation includes the construction of a completely new terminal building designed to serve hundreds of passengers simultaneously. The project, implemented jointly with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Government of Punjab, aims to turn Halwara into the region's main airport. It is expected that upon full commissioning, it will be able to receive flights both from within the country and from abroad.

Thus, the history of Halwara Airport is essentially the story of its "rebirth". An interesting fact is that instead of building a new airport from scratch, a decision was made to synergise the military and civil sectors. This allowed for significantly reduced timelines and costs, turning a historic airbase into a key transport hub for the future development of the entire state.

Since Ludhiana (Halwara) Airport is a new civil facility, the range of passenger services is in the formation stage and will gradually expand. It is planned that food outlets will open in the terminal, including cafés for light snacks, and small shops. There, one will be able to purchase travel goods, press, and souvenirs to remember the trip to India.

The terminal is designed with passenger comfort in mind: it features spacious waiting lounges. It is expected that travellers will be provided with access to free Wi-Fi and charging stations for gadgets. In the future, the appearance of VIP lounges with an expanded range of services is also possible.

Other important services are incorporated into the airport infrastructure. It is assumed that as passenger traffic grows, ATMs and currency exchange points will appear here, which is especially important for international tourists. The project also provides for a medical centre to administer first aid.

The airport was initially designed taking into account the needs of all categories of passengers. For people with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment with ramps and special restrooms is being created. For families with small children, nursing rooms equipped with everything necessary for baby care are planned.

At present, there are no on-site hotels or conference halls within the airport grounds. A wide selection of accommodation options and business services is available in the city of Ludhiana, which is easily accessible from the airport. It is assumed that basic business services may appear in premium lounges in the future.

Ludhiana (Halwara) Airport (HWR) is a relatively small aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is functional rather than diverse. Passengers should not expect a large food court with a multitude of restaurants, as found in major international airports. Nevertheless, basic facilities for snacking and waiting for a flight are provided.

In the main terminal building, typically before the security check (landside), there is a small snack bar or café. Here, travellers can purchase packaged snacks, such as chips, biscuits, and sandwiches, as well as soft drinks, bottled water, tea, and coffee. Sometimes the menu may include simple hot dishes and popular Indian snacks, for example, samosas or pakoras, which are excellent for an introduction to local flavours.

For passengers with specific dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal diets, the selection will be extremely limited. It is recommended to bring food with you to avoid inconvenience. For vegetarians, it may be easier — many Indian snacks do not contain meat by default. Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule.

To summarise, if you need a quick snack or a drink before departure, the local café will suffice. However, for a full lunch or dinner, it is strongly recommended to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Ludhiana before arriving at the airport, so that your gastronomic journey through India is more fulfilling.

To ensure your journey through Halwara Airport, serving the city of Ludhiana, goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our practical tips. These recommendations will help you prepare for departure and avoid unnecessary stress during your trip across India.

Airport Arrival Time: This is a key moment. The airport is located at a significant distance from the city — the journey can take from 1 to 1.5 hours. Add to this about 2 hours for check-in and security screening. Thus, you should leave Ludhiana at least 3.5 hours before departure. Given this, a pre-booked transfer would be a good solution.

Check-in and Security: To save time, complete online check-in on the airline's website if possible. At the airport, keep your identification and boarding pass ready. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage.

Hand Luggage and Airport Services: Please note that Halwara Airport is new, and its infrastructure is currently limited. The selection of cafés and shops may be small, so we strongly advise bringing a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after security check. Do not forget general rules: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, and always keep valuables, documents, and medication with you.

Seat Selection and Connections: If you want to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. For greater comfort, an aisle seat is suitable. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.

In Case of Flight Delay: Do not panic. First, contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation, such as water or meals. Ensure your phone is charged in case of a long wait.