The ₹25-crore civil terminal was inaugurated in December 2016 for a UDAN-scheme Delhi route that ran with over 90% occupancy, yet commercial operations were completely suspended for more than three years from 2020 to September 2023. Service has never stabilized since: a Ghaziabad route added in 2023 was itself suspended in September 2025 after the operating airline was acquired by another carrier, leaving the ₹25-crore terminal running a reduced, uncertain schedule.
On record
The official record states: "The multi-year 2020-2023 shutdown was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic; the 2025 Ghaziabad route suspension followed FlyBig's acquisition by another airline, with officials citing "uncertainty about when this route would resume.""
Filed as "Ghost infrastructure (no flights) / Under repeat suspension" and dated to Civil terminal inaugurated December 2016, this entry sits under the "₹25 crore (civil terminal)" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- A terminal built for a passenger rush that never boarded.
- A departures board with more staff than flights, most days none of either.
- A conveyor belt kept in working order out of sheer optimism.
- A runway whose length remains a subject of expert disagreement.
Sourcing
2 public sources — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“The estimate did not survive contact with the site.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathinda_Airport
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/bathinda/four-months-on-bathinda-airport-operates-lone-flight-to-delhi/
Visitor reviews
“Came here on a dare from the hotel receptionist. The ribbon outlasted the resolve, and you can tell.”
“Went the week it was back in the news again. Honestly, Bathinda should put it on the official map and own it.”
“Stopped by after spotting it from a friend's balcony. It really does not disappoint.”