Halwara International Airport to Be Handed Over to AAI Within a Month.

The transfer of the under-construction Halwara International Airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is progressing, with officials expecting the handover to be completed within a month. The Public Works Department (PWD), which supervised the airport’s construction, is conducting final checks before AAI takes control and begins operational preparations.

A PWD official confirmed that the transfer process began last week and involves reviewing key infrastructure, including public health systems, electrical setups, and fire safety measures. "Since AAI will make the airport operational, they need to verify these systems before taking full control," the official said. The handover is expected to be finalised by mid-April, after which AAI will start obtaining necessary operational clearances.

The terminal building is complete, with air conditioning, baggage handling, and lighting systems already functional. Final furnishing will be done just before the airport becomes operational to prevent dust accumulation.

Meanwhile, runway carpeting is set to begin this week and should be finished by mid-April. "Runway work requires specific temperature conditions, and March is the ideal time for this," an official explained. The last layers of Link Taxi Tracks 1 and 2 will also be laid this month, with a trolley gate already installed.

An AAI official confirmed that minor finishing tasks remain and that AAI is working closely with the PWD and the Air Force to expedite the airport's readiness. Local residents and businesses eagerly anticipate the airport’s launch, viewing it as a major boost for trade, industry, and travel in the region.

ET