In Ambala Cantonment, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar laid the cornerstone for a domestic airport on Sunday, claiming it will boost both connectivity and economic activity.

The UDAN programme approved the civil enclave, a military airbase area designated for use by civil aircraft. The airport, dubbed the "dream project" of six-term Ambala Cantonment MLA and Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij, will be built on 20 acres next to the Air Force Station.

Vij, Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, and Rajya Sabha MP Kartikiye Sharma all attended the "bhoomi pujan" and foundation-stone-laying ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said the airport will further increase Haryana's connectivity with other states and also spur economic activity.

It can also act as a support facility for the Chandigarh airport, he said.

"When an airport comes up, it spurs economic activity and development," the chief minister said.