AFTER decades of waiting, missed deadlines and political promises, the sight of the first commercial flight landing at Halwara airport carries emotional and economic significance for Punjab.

For Ludhiana, the Delhi-Halwara connection is a gateway to national and global markets. The launch has been greeted with excitement across central Punjab. Administrative authorities arranged transport for passengers, political leaders rushed to claim credit and tickets reportedly saw brisk demand even before operations formally began. That enthusiasm is understandable. Ludhiana's exporters, industrialists and entrepreneurs have long complained that dependence on Chandigarh and Amritsar slowed business mobility and increased logistics costs.

Halwara also arrives at an important moment. The Centre recently expanded the UDAN regional connectivity scheme with an outlay of nearly Rs 28,840 crore, compared to the original Rs 4,500 crore allocation. The programme seeks to develop 100 new airports and airstrips. However, regional connectivity remains uneven. North India accounts for nearly 30% of the country's passenger traffic, but many smaller airports continue to struggle with weak demand and irregular flights.

That is why Halwara's success cannot be taken for granted. Many airports inaugurated with fanfare have become underutilised later. Infrastructure without sustained airline operations quickly turns into an expensive symbol rather than an economic asset. Still, Halwara possesses some advantages. The airport's terminal, developed by expanding the Air Force base, can handle 300 passengers at a time, while Air India has begun operations with two daily flights to Delhi. Ludhiana's industrial ecosystem gives the airport a natural passenger base that many UDAN airports never had. But the real test begins after the inaugural applause fades. Connectivity must become reliable, affordable and commercially sustainable. Cargo handling, last-mile transport and route expansion will determine whether Halwara truly transforms Punjab's economy. The state must ensure the runway remains busy.