Ludhiana Sahnewal Airport

Sahnewal Airport, also known as Ludhiana Airport, serves as a compact air gateway to the industrial heart of the state of Punjab. This small regional aviation node offers travelers a cozy alternative to bustling international hubs, providing quick connectivity to major cities such as Delhi. Despite its modest size and simple infrastructure, the airport plays a vital role for business people and tourists looking to save travel time to the "Manchester of India," bypassing long journeys from neighboring states.

Airport Features and Advantages:

The main advantage of Sahnewal Airport is its compactness and lack of queues. Unlike the large aviation hubs of India, all procedures here—from check-in to boarding—are completed as quickly and calmly as possible. This is an ideal option for those who value their time and prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of huge terminals.

Another important feature is its strategic location. The airport is located just a 20–30 minute drive from the centre of Ludhiana via the national highway. This distinguishes it favorably from the nearest major airports in Chandigarh or Amritsar, the journey from which to the city can take several hours by car.

The airport actively participates in the government regional connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), which helps maintain affordable air ticket prices for locals and visitors to the region. Although the infrastructure here is basic, the staff is known for their hospitality and readiness to help, creating a friendly atmosphere from the first minutes of your stay in the land of Punjab.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on airport operations, flight schedules, and services can be found on the official airport page on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) portal: www.aai.aero/en/airports/ludhiana.
• Help Desk Phone: +91-161-2845342. You can clarify general information about airport operations at this number.
• Airport Address: Sahnewal Aerodrome, National Highway 44, Near Sahnewal, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141120, India.
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the Airport Director's email: apdluh@aai.aero.
• Social Media: Sahnewal Airport does not maintain separate social media pages. News and updates are published on the official accounts of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the representative of the airline you traveled with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and answers to questions within the airport, please approach the information desk or any staff member. The inquiry number is listed above.

There are several ways to get to Sahnewal Airport (LUH), serving the city of Ludhiana. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The journey from the city centre usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, but travel time can increase significantly during peak hours due to the heavy traffic characteristic of India.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. You can use local taxi services or book a car through apps popular in India, such as Ola or Uber. This guarantees a predictable trip cost. Auto-rickshaws, or "tuk-tuks," are a cheaper alternative to taxis, but the ride will be less comfortable. It is strongly recommended to negotiate the price with the auto-rickshaw driver before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings.

Public Transport in the form of local buses is the most budget-friendly option. While this is a great way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, it can be inconvenient for tourists with large luggage due to the lack of dedicated compartments and overcrowding. Routes and schedules can be confusing, so it is better to check information with locals or at the bus station. There is generally no direct express route to the airport.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the surroundings of Ludhiana. Both local and international rental agencies operate in the city. Note that an international driving permit may be required to drive in India, and traffic on the roads is very chaotic. Sahnewal Airport has parking for short-term and long-term stays, however, the number of spaces may be limited.

Given that Sahnewal Airport serves mainly domestic flights, many travelers also consider larger neighboring airports, such as Chandigarh Airport, which offers a greater number of routes. The choice between them often depends on flight schedules and the final destination.

Sahnewal Airport (LUH) in Ludhiana is a small regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure, ideally suited for handling domestic flights. Its compactness is a major advantage for passengers, as all procedures are completed quickly and without unnecessary fuss.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, navigating here is very easy, and the risk of getting lost is practically non-existent. The terminal layout is extremely simple: the building is divided into two main zones—departure and arrival. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between terminals are required; everything is within walking distance.

The departure zone includes several check-in counters and a single security checkpoint. After passing control, passengers enter a small waiting area. The arrival zone consists of a hall with one baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. Information boards and signs in English and Hindi help with orientation.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security checks typically take no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5–2 hours before departure to avoid potential queues during peak hours. The ease of navigation and small size of the terminal make the stay at Sahnewal Airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of Sahnewal Airport (LUH) is closely linked to the development of regional aviation in the state of Punjab. The airport was founded in the 1960s, and initially, its main task was to serve the Ludhiana Aviation Club. For a long time, it functioned primarily as a base for pilot training and private flights, laying the foundations for future commercial transport in the region.

The airport's path to commercial status was challenging and characterized by a series of flight launches and suspensions. Regular air service, mainly to Delhi, was launched several times but often ceased due to insufficient load factors and operational difficulties. The key carrier on this route in different years was Alliance Air. These ups and downs reflect the constant efforts to ensure stable air connectivity for the industrial hub of Ludhiana.

One of the main reasons limiting the airport's development is its infrastructure, particularly the relatively short runway. It does not allow for the accommodation of large jet aircraft, so flight operations are only possible on small turboprop liners. Over the years, there have been active discussions about the need to modernize Sahnewal or build a new, larger international airport in the vicinity of the city.

The airport received a new impetus for development thanks to the government program UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), aimed at developing regional air travel in India. This initiative helped resume regular flights and increase the accessibility of air travel for residents of Ludhiana and neighboring districts. Although there have been no large-scale reconstructions in its history, it is such programs that support its viability.

Thus, the history of Sahnewal Airport is not a tale of records and grandiose constructions, but rather a story of perseverance and the importance of regional aviation. It remains a unique facility that combines the functions of a commercial airport and a historic flying club, playing an important, albeit modest, role in the region's transport system.

Sahnewal Airport (LUH) is a small domestic airport serving the city of Ludhiana and its surroundings. Given its size and status, the range of services here is basic and designed to meet the essential needs of passengers waiting for their flight.

In the terminal, you will find small kiosks where you can buy snacks, sandwiches, chips, and soft drinks. There are also counters with hot tea and coffee. Do not expect large restaurants or chain cafes here. Shopping opportunities are limited to a newsstand and a shop with essential goods. The waiting area is a general hall with seats; there are no specialized VIP lounges.

For the convenience of passengers, charging sockets for electronic devices may be available in the waiting hall, but their number is limited. Free Wi-Fi is generally not provided, so it is recommended to use mobile data. Banking services are kept to a minimum—an ATM may be installed at the airport, but currency exchange points are absent as the airport does not handle international flights.

Passengers with disabilities are provided assistance during boarding and disembarking; for this, it is necessary to contact your airline representative in advance. Specialized mother and child rooms may be absent, but airport staff are always ready to assist. Basic medical aid is available in case of emergencies.

There are no hotels, business centres, or conference halls on the territory of Sahnewal Airport. The nearest hotels and all necessary business services can be found in the city of Ludhiana itself, which is one of the largest industrial centres of India. When planning a trip, it is worth booking accommodation in the city in advance.

When planning a journey through Sahnewal Airport, it is important to consider that this is a small regional air terminal with a limited range of services. The choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and is primarily designed for passengers waiting for their flight. If you are hoping for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do so in the city of Ludhiana beforehand.

In the airport's single terminal, there is usually a small kiosk or snack bar operating, typically located in the general area before security control. Here you can purchase basic items for a quick snack: packaged chips, biscuits, chocolate, as well as soft drinks, bottled water, tea, or coffee. Sometimes the assortment may include fresh sandwiches or local pastries, such as samosas, allowing you to experience the cuisine of India in miniature.

One should not count on specialized restaurants or cafes with a wide menu. Options for people with special dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes) are not officially represented, although some packaged snacks may meet these requirements. Prices are usually slightly higher than average city prices, which is typical for airports. The opening hours of the establishment depend directly on the flight schedule—it is usually open a few hours before departure and closes after the last aircraft departs.

To ensure your journey through Sahnewal Airport in Ludhiana goes smoothly, make use of our tips. Despite it being a small regional airport, it is better to arrive well in advance—at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing, even if unforeseen queues arise.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. An important feature of airports in India: to enter the terminal building, you may require a printout of your itinerary receipt or an electronic ticket. At security control, be prepared to present all electronic devices for inspection. Procedures can be quite strict, so please follow the staff's instructions.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to admire views of Punjab from above, while aisle seats allow you to stand up freely and be among the first to exit the plane upon arrival. If a quick exit is important to you, choose seats in the front of the cabin.

Pay close attention to hand luggage rules. Standard restrictions include a ban on liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances. Please note that power banks in India are generally allowed to be carried only in hand luggage. Always check baggage allowances on your airline's website before traveling.

Sahnewal Airport serves mainly domestic flights, so long layovers here are rare. If you have a connecting flight in another city, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be checked through to the final destination. Customs control is only undergone by passengers arriving from abroad, and this usually happens at the first airport of arrival in the country.

To save time and money, book flight tickets and taxis from the airport in advance. Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security control, and light snacks to avoid spending on food at the airport. Traveling light, with only hand luggage, will also help avoid baggage fees and waiting for its retrieval.

In case of a flight delay, first check its status on the online board or in the airline's app. Contact carrier representatives at the airport to find out about your rights to compensation, provision of meals, or accommodation. Keep all essentials in your hand luggage: chargers, medicines, and documents.