Ludhiana: Finally, the city is set to get its much-awaited direct air link. The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) has included the Ludhiana-Delhi route in its summer schedule, providing for two daily flights. The summer schedule is valid from March 29 to Oct 24 this year, and flights are expected to operate on all days of the week.According to the DGCA schedule issued recently, the first flight from Delhi is scheduled to arrive at Halwara Airport at 9.45am, while the corresponding departure from Halwara to Delhi is at 10.25am. The schedule also lists a second flight, with arrival from Delhi at 2.10pm and departure from Halwara at 2.40pm.As per the website of the private airline expected to operate the service, flight duration between Ludhiana and Delhi is around one hour and 20 minutes. The website also mentions that direct flights between Ludhiana and Delhi will operate with daily frequency, although exact frequency may vary.The website indicates that the economy class fare for the Ludhiana-Delhi sector is around Rs 6,400, though prices may vary depending on demand and season. Flights are expected to operate between Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi, and Halwara International Airport.Sources in Airports Authority of India (AAI) said space has been allotted to the private airline at Halwara Airport for commencement of operations but the airline is yet to set up its office. Deployment of security personnel is also pending, despite the fact that more than 50 Punjab Police personnel have completed training for airport security duties.AAI officials said Halwara Airport has the requisite infrastructure for start of operations and flights could begin immediately once remaining formalities were completed. They added that while the airline is expected to start operations around mid-May, ticket booking process may begin in the first half of April.Meanwhile, Ludhiana residents continue to wait anxiously for commencement of flight operations. Ravjyot Singh, a city resident, said flights should start without further delay as the service has been long awaited. According to him, flight timings are expected to be convenient for passengers travelling further abroad or arriving in Ludhiana by air.“Most international flights arrive in the morning, so the morning flight from Delhi to Ludhiana will suit passengers arriving from abroad via IGI Airport. The afternoon flight will also benefit people travelling between Delhi and Ludhiana,” Singh said.Another resident, Dr Gauhar Vatsyayan, who has been closely tracking developments related to the flight service, said he intends to travel to Delhi around May 15 and hopes to use the flight from Halwara Airport. He said the early start of operations would benefit residents who have been waiting for air connectivity.Flights expected all week–DGCA has included Ludhiana–Delhi sector in its summer schedule, valid from March 29 to Oct 24 –Two daily flights between Delhi and Halwara Airport are listed in the schedule –Flights are expected to operate all seven days a week –First Delhi–Ludhiana flight scheduled to arrive at Halwara at 9.45am and depart at 10.25am –Second flight from Delhi expected to arrive at 2.10pm, with departure from Halwara at 2.40pm –Flight duration between Ludhiana and Delhi is around one hour and 20 minutes, as per the airline website –Economy-class ticket fares indicated at approximately Rs 6,400, subject to demand and season –AAI has allocated space to the airline at Halwara Airport, though the airline has not yet opened its office –AAI officials said the airport has adequate infrastructure and flights can start once formalities are completed Box 1: Bookings start this monthUnion minister of state from Punjab Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday said that flight ticket bookings are expected to begin in April, while flight operations are likely to start between May 10 and May 15. The Airbus A-320 aircraft will operate on the Halwara–Delhi route. The aircraft has a seating capacity of 180 passengers.Box Union minister of state from Punjab Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday said that flight ticket bookings are expected to begin in April, while flight operations are likely to start between May 10 and May 15.The Airbus A-320 aircraft will operate on the Halwara–Delhi route. The aircraft has a seating capacity of 180 passengers.
