VILD Airport / LUH Airport / Ludhiana Airport Information
Ludhiana Airport, also known by its ICAO code VILD and IATA code LUH, is a domestic airport located near Sahnewal, about 12 km southeast of Ludhiana city in the Indian state of Punjab. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and sits at an elevation of around 254 m (834 ft) above sea level. It has a single asphalt runway (12/30) that is approximately 1,463 m (4,800 ft) long, which restricts operations mainly to smaller aircraft. The terminal building is modest, capable of handling around 40–70 passengers at a time, reflecting its role as a regional rather than major airport. Historically, Ludhiana Airport offered flights to Delhi under India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, but in recent years, passenger traffic has been minimal — about 2,000 passengers and 400 aircraft movements were recorded in the 2024–2025 period.
Despite plans for a new airport project to replace the existing facility, Ludhiana Airport continues limited operations due to project delays. Facilities such as refueling, air traffic control (frequency 122.3 MHz), and firefighting (Category 5) are available, though amenities are basic. Its proximity to Ludhiana city makes it easily reachable by road or taxi, but travelers are advised to confirm flight availability in advance, as commercial operations can be irregular. Overall, Ludhiana Airport serves as a small but vital link for regional air connectivity in Punjab while awaiting transition to a more modern replacement.