Air connectivity a pipe dream for Ludhiana

Ludhiana: Just like non-existent domestic aerodrome, the dreams of having an international airport too seem far-fetched. The authorities here are losing hope just like the residents, who feel that no flight would ever take off from here.
Sahnewal Airport incharge VP Jain said, “Yes, there is a plan to upgrade the airport, but we cannot say anything as of now. These plans have been announced numerous times in the past eight years.” He further added, “If we are planning to make it an international airport, we should preferably be starting it with domestic flights so as to see how things workout.”
Sources revealed that a few months back, nearly Rs 12 crore has been spent on recarpeting of runway and renovation of other things. Since 2002, there have been plans of starting 72-seater aircraft from here but nothing has happened till now. From March 28, Kingfisher Airlines was to launch a flight from here, but even till time it could not be done.
Meanwhile, residents are desperately waiting for the airport to become functional. Oswal Group of Companies chief managing director Jawahar Oswal said, “It is the need of the hour, the city being the industrial hub, people go abroad twice a week. If the airport becomes functional, it would save half of time spent in going out of the city.”
29/03/10 Times of India

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Categories: Airports Mar 2010, New Mar 2010