The much-awaited inauguration of the Halwara International Airport, earlier scheduled for July 27, has been postponed. No official reason has been shared yet for the delay.
Officials said that the Airport Authority of India (AAI) had started preparations for a virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, all those arrangements have now been paused. While there's no official statement, sources believe the PM's busy schedule due to the Bihar election campaign may be one of the reasons behind the change.
Fatehgarh Sahib MP Dr Amar Singh Boparai, who heads the Civil Aviation Committee for both Halwara and Sahnewal airports, shared that the Civil Aviation Ministry has not yet given formal approval for the airport’s inauguration.
“I have discussed the issues related with the completion of work at the airport and its inauguration with the Civil Aviation Minister,” Boparai said. He added that, as per protocol, he would be informed before the final date is confirmed for the inauguration by the Prime Minister.
Earlier, Punjab’s Industries and NRI Affairs Minister Sanjiv Arora had announced that PM Modi would virtually inaugurate the airport on July 27. Officials had also stated that the terminal building is ready and the infrastructure needed for flight operations has been completed as per AAI’s satisfaction.
On Tuesday, Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain reviewed the remaining minor works at the airport — including installation of CCTV cameras and cleanliness work. He also chaired a meeting with officers from various departments, including PWD, Public Health, PSPCL, AAI, NHAI and drainage, as well as representatives from the contractors involved in the project.
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