Halwara Airport Credit Row: Sanjeev Arora hits out at Ravneet Bittu, calls rivals ‘Opportunists’
Some “opportunists” merely repeating whatever has been brought into public domain by me regarding Halwara Airport: Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 29, 2026: A political tussle has erupted over credit for the operationalisation of Halwara Airport, with Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora taking a swipe at Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and others, calling them “opportunists” for repeating announcements already made by him.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora has attributed this major breakthrough to his sustained and consistent efforts over the years. After nearly three decades of delay, Halwara Airport near Ludhiana is finally set to become operational, with flight bookings expected to begin next week.
Responding to recent statements by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Arora said such claims are “misleading” and do not reflect the actual groundwork done. He pointed out that he had already announced on March 26 that flight bookings would begin soon, adding that “some opportunists are merely repeating what has already been brought into the public domain.”
30-Year Wait Nears End
The long-pending project, which had faced multiple delays for nearly 30 years, is now on the verge of full operationalisation. Arora emphasized that this milestone is the result of continuous follow-up at multiple levels, including coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, airline operators, and the Punjab Government.
Key Milestones in Halwara Airport Project
- Revival push initiated in November 2022 with intervention of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
- ₹50 crore released in December 2022 to restart construction
- Continuous engagement with airlines for Delhi and Mumbai routes
- Airport received HWR code in February 2025
- Final security clearance granted in January 2026
- Terminal building virtually inaugurated on February 1, 2026 by PM Narendra Modi
From Delays to Take-Off
The project saw accelerated progress between 2023 and 2025, including construction completion, airline approvals, and final security audits. Arora held multiple meetings with key stakeholders, including airline operators and aviation authorities, to ensure timely execution.
Boost to Industry & Connectivity
Arora stated that operationalisation of Halwara Airport will significantly enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost Punjab’s industrial and export ecosystem—especially benefiting Ludhiana, one of North India’s largest manufacturing hubs.
He added that the airport is expected to handle around 2,500 passengers daily, marking a major step forward for infrastructure development in the region.