Hisar Airport to Receive License This Week: Flights to Begin Next Month

Haryana's first airport in Hisar could soon be ready for takeoff, with officials expecting to receive the operating license this week. The state government is pushing to launch flight operations before neighboring Uttar Pradesh's Jewar Airport, which is scheduled to begin service on April 17. According to sources, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already submitted Hisar Airport's Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) on February 27. The Haryana government remains in constant contact with AAI to expedite the licensing process. 

Race Between Neighboring States

The competition between the two states has intensified as both rush to launch their respective airports. While Jewar Airport in UP plans to connect seven destinations, Hisar Airport has set its sights on five key routes. 

"Jewar will offer flights to Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Mumbai," an aviation source explained. "Meanwhile, Hisar Airport will connect passengers to Ayodhya, Jammu, Jaipur, Delhi, and Ahmedabad." 

The DGCA inspection team has already visited Hisar and submitted their report, while Jewar is still awaiting the team's evaluation. 

Summer Schedule Under Development

As the license approval approaches, authorities are busy preparing Hisar Airport's summer flight schedule, which should be finalized by March 31. This schedule will remain in effect from April 1 to September 30. 

The Haryana government has already signed an agreement with Aviation Airlines, a central government carrier, to operate flights from Hisar. This agreement, finalized in July 2024, will allow operations to begin as soon as the license is granted.

Final Hurdles Being Addressed

While the airport has resolved 42 objections raised by the DGCA, eight points still need attention, including two major issues requiring formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

"We need to finalize an MoU regarding fire safety services," a senior official explained. "Currently, the airport has two fire safety vehicles, but that's insufficient. Another MoU with the Chief Medical Officer will ensure emergency medical services are available when needed."

Central Government to Manage Operations

The airport will ultimately be managed by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), though Haryana will retain ownership of the land. This arrangement means the central government will handle infrastructure, operations, maintenance, and staff recruitment.

Security responsibilities will transition from the Haryana Police's Third Battalion (currently deploying 300 personnel) to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) once operations begin. With license approval expected this week and flights potentially beginning in early April.