Centre agrees to resume flights on Delhi-Ludhiana sector after 3 years

Scindia sends communication to MP Arora

Jan30,2023 | MEENU GALHOTRA |

In an official communication, the Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia has informed AAP MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora that UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) route -Ludhiana-Delhi-Ludhiana- was awarded to M/s Alliance Air in the first round of bidding that commenced on September 1, 2017. The Airline discontinued the operations to the route on August 31, 2020 after completion of three years- tenure. At present, there are no schedule flight operations at Ludhiana airport. The UDAN route -Hindon Ludhiana Hindon- has been awarded to M/s Big Charters with nineteen-seater type of aircraft under UDAN 4.2 bidding round, which may commence operation in Summer Schedule, 2023. Scindia sent his official communication dated January 27, 2023 in reply to a letter addressed to him by Arora on January 17, 2023. He further informed Arora mentioning that “He has circulated his request to all airlines for consideration of flights to Ludhiana.- Arora in his letter dated January 17th addressed to Scidnia had stated that he would like draw Scindia’s attention towards a matter which is significant at flyers and residents of Ludhiana in Punjab. He said in his pervious communication dated December 27, 2022, he requested to resume flight operations to Ludhiana from Sahnewal airport till the time Halwara Airport is up and ready. Arora had written to Scindia that there was flight under UDAN to Ludhiana which was stopped in Covid times and never started again. He had mentioned: “I along with commoners of Ludhiana sincerely request you to kindly intervene and direct the concerned officials to chalk out a plan and resume flights to Ludhiana under UDAN Scheme at the earliest.” Arora said he is glad that finally his concerted efforts have shown some results. At the same time, he said, “I am grateful to the Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia for considering and acceding to my demand for resuming flights between Ludhiana and Delhi”, adding that this will prove very beneficial for not only to business class but also commoners of Ludhiana, which is an industrial hub of Punjab. Adding, Arora said under the leadership of the Chief Minister Punjab, Bhagwant Mann he will make sure that Halwara airport starts its operations at the earliest possible time. He added efforts are also being made to start more airports in the state.

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