Plans are underway to significantly upgrade Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport by 2028, according to Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. The announcement was made during an event on Sunday, where the Minister outlined a vision to enhance the airport’s passenger handling capacity and improve its infrastructure.
The proposed development includes the construction of a new terminal building aimed at accommodating 55 lakh passengers annually, a substantial increase from the current capacity of 40 lakh. Modifications to the existing terminal building are also in consideration to address the rising demand for air travel.
In addition to terminal improvements, the airport’s runway, currently measuring 2,800 metres, is set to be extended to 3,400 metres. This enhancement would enable the airport to handle larger Code-E aircraft, a key requirement for supporting greater international connectivity. Naidu noted that a formal request had been submitted to the state government for additional land adjacent to the airport to facilitate this expansion.
During the event, Naidu inaugurated a new air traffic control tower-cum-technical block and a garbage disposal facility, both aimed at improving operational efficiency. He also addressed public demand for direct international flights from Indore to destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai, stating that discussions with airlines would be initiated to explore these possibilities.
Currently, Indore airport operates approximately 90 flights daily, connecting 21 Indian cities with Sharjah in the UAE. Local MP Shankar Lalwani urged the government to officially grant the airport international status, highlighting that despite offering international services for five years, it has yet to be formally recognised as an international airport.
The upgraded facilities and extended runway are expected to position Indore as a more prominent hub in India’s aviation network, catering to both domestic and international travellers.
