According to the latest AAI report, 2,882 flights operated from Indore in January, carrying 397,098 passengers. This reflects an increase of 233 flights and 28,638 passengers compared to December, when 2,649 flights and around 368,000 passengers were recorded. The recovery underscores a swift return of demand following operational disruptions that had impacted schedules and capacity late last year.
Airport Director Sunil Maggirwar said runway maintenance currently requires an eight-hour nightly closure, limiting operations. “Our aim is to complete the work by the end of March. From April, the airport will be open 24 hours, which will allow the addition of new flights and support a substantial rise in passenger traffic,” he said.
Industry stakeholders expect further momentum as the travel season picks up. Amul Kataria, State President of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), noted that traffic may remain steady through early March due to examinations. “After mid-March, as holidays begin, passenger volumes are expected to surge. By April, monthly traffic could cross five lakh, with summer vacation bookings already underway,” he said.
Infrastructure upgrades are also set to ease congestion. A new exit gate towards Bijasan Tekri has been completed to address parking and traffic bottlenecks that build up during peak hours. Currently, a single entry-exit route causes vehicle queues outside the terminal. Once operational approvals are secured and barriers installed by the parking contractor, the new gate will divert outbound traffic directly to the Bijasan Mandir road, improving circulation.
The airport will also resume operations from two terminals in the new year. The older terminal will handle ATR aircraft, reducing pressure on the main terminal and shortening check-in and security wait times. Airport officials said the dual-terminal system will enhance passenger convenience and operational efficiency.
Indore Airport’s longer-term growth remains robust. Between January and December 2025, the airport handled 4,396,611 passengers—the first time in its 88-year history that annual traffic crossed the four-million mark. During the same period, 32,558 flights were operated, reflecting sustained aviation growth despite periodic disruptions.
With 24-hour runway operations, expanded terminal use, and improved ground access, airport authorities anticipate a strong summer season and renewed airline interest in adding routes, positioning Indore as a key aviation hub in central India.
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