Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij said that Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given his consent for the inauguration of Ambala Cantonment Airport. The inauguration will take place as soon as the date is finalized. He informed that flights will initially operate from Ambala to Ayodhya, Lucknow, Jammu, and Srinagar.
Vij was responding to questions asked by the media persons in Chandigarh today.
He said that “The airport at Ambala Cantonment was made possible due to the support of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, as land from the army was required for its construction. It was the Defence Minister who helped provide that land. Therefore, I had requested him to inaugurate the airport, since it has been built with his assistance.”
Vij also mentioned that the inauguration is being planned around August 15. Correspondence has been made with the Chief Minister of Haryana and the Union Defence Minister to fix a mutually agreeable date, as both dignitaries are required to be present. Once both confirm a date, the inauguration will be held and flight services will commence.
He added that officers and staff of the Civil Aviation Department have already been posted, and the airport infrastructure at Ambala Cantonment is almost ready. Ambala Cantonment is a significant station—it is a railway junction and is well-connected by roads from all directions. Ambala has direct connectivity to regions in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and other areas in Haryana. Additionally, it is directly linked to the science industries of Ambala, metal industries of Jagadhri and cities like Panipat and Gurugram. Hence, the airport is expected to be highly successful.
Vij further shared that he has received a letter from the Union Civil Aviation Minister approving three airlines for operations from the airport. Apart from these, other airlines have also shown interest and are seeking approval to start flights from Ambala Cantonment. According to the letter, flights from Ambala to Ayodhya, Lucknow, Jammu and Srinagar will commence.
In response to a question about initiating cargo services from Ambala Cantonment Airport, Vij said that he has written to Union Minister Manohar Lal, highlighting the demand from traders and delegations for a cargo airline service from Ambala. The runway at Ambala Cantonment is capable of handling even the largest aircraft, making it suitable for cargo operations.
He also mentioned that this airport will be the nearest cargo hub for dispatching industrial goods from Ambala’s science industries, Saha’s factories, the textile market of Ambala and apple produce from Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, there is strong potential for cargo services to succeed here. Land is also available and can be acquired for the same. Cargo operations are currently at a preliminary stage, and Vij is scheduled to meet the Union Minister soon regarding this matter.
