By Sarhind Times Bureau | Indore | October 20, 2025
Summary
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore, has announced its new Winter Flight Schedule (WFS 2025–26) featuring 94 daily flight movements, new routes to Goa, Surat, and Hyderabad, and enhanced night operations. The revised plan—effective October 29—signals the city’s growing status as a regional aviation hub connecting Central India to major metros and tourist destinations.
The Announcement
In a press briefing on Monday, Airport Director Ramesh Kumar unveiled the new schedule under the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The winter timetable will operate from October 29, 2025, to March 30, 2026, coinciding with global airline seasonal changes.
“This year’s schedule focuses on expansion, passenger comfort, and regional integration,” Kumar said. “Indore now connects directly to 15 cities—its highest ever.”
The updated schedule features 47 departures and 47 arrivals daily, compared with 82 movements last season. Peak-hour slots between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. are fully booked, reflecting strong passenger demand.
New Routes and Airlines
Three new routes headline the WFS 2025–26:
- Indore–Goa (SpiceJet) – Daily, 9:45 a.m. departure; expected to boost tourism flow.
- Indore–Surat (IndiGo) – Double daily, catering to business travellers between textile hubs.
- Indore–Hyderabad (Akasa Air) – Evening service connecting IT corridor with Central India.
Additionally, Air India Express introduces a new Indore–Dubai weekly flight on Fridays, expanding the city’s international footprint.
“Our aim is to make Indore the air-bridge between North, West, and South India,” said Akasa’s regional head Varun Mehta.
The Numbers Behind the Sky
Indore Airport handled 2.7 million passengers in FY 2024–25, a 19% increase year-on-year. Cargo throughput reached 23,000 metric tonnes, driven by pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.
The AAI projects over 3 million flyers this financial year if growth continues. “We are crossing pre-COVID numbers by a wide margin,” said Director Kumar. “Indore’s recovery has been among the fastest in India’s tier-2 cities.”
Infrastructure Upgrades: The Silent Engine
The airport’s expansion isn’t just numerical—it’s structural. Key upgrades underway include:
- New Apron Bay for 10 additional aircraft.
- Automated Parking System operational from November.
- Runway Reinforcement Project enabling larger aircraft like B737 MAX and A321neo to operate safely.
- Integrated Cargo Terminal Phase II nearing completion.
- Solar Power Plant expansion to achieve 100% renewable energy for airside operations.
Passenger terminals now feature enhanced seating, biometric check-in kiosks, and self-baggage drop systems.
“Airports are becoming experience centres, not just transit points,” said architect Anjali Menon, part of the design team.
Night Operations Take Off
Indore, which previously operated limited night flights due to air-traffic restrictions, will now host 12 post-9 p.m. departures, including red-eye flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
New CAT-II lighting systems allow visibility operations under fog and low-light conditions, critical during winter months. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) has been upgraded with ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) equipment for real-time tracking.
“The city literally won’t sleep anymore,” joked a senior pilot. “Passengers can board late-night flights instead of waiting for morning rush.”
Passenger Reactions
Frequent flyers welcomed the expanded network.
Pankaj Verma, a corporate executive who travels weekly to Hyderabad, said:
“Finally, a direct evening flight! It saves me five hours and one layover in Mumbai.”
Students returning from southern universities also rejoiced. “Ticket prices are more stable now,” said Ritika Patel, a B.Tech student from Goa. “Earlier, festive fares were insane.”
Airlines Compete for Central Airspace
IndiGo continues to dominate Indore operations with 54% market share, followed by Air India (15%), SpiceJet (10%), and Akasa (8%). Go First’s exit from the market last year opened valuable slots now redistributed among existing players.
Low-cost carriers are betting big on tier-2 connectivity under the UDAN 5.0 scheme. “Indore’s demand pattern mirrors Chandigarh and Jaipur,” said aviation consultant Kapil Kaul. “It’s profitable for both leisure and business segments.”
Regional Connectivity Mission
Under the Government’s Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) initiative, Indore already links to Jabalpur, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, and Raipur. Two new UDAN routes—Indore–Diu and Indore–Porbandar—are in feasibility review.
“Connecting hinterlands through affordable flights strengthens economic inclusion,” said Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who represents Madhya Pradesh. “Indore will be our model airport for UDAN Phase 6.”
Cargo and E-Commerce Growth
Indore’s cargo terminal now handles express shipments for Amazon, Flipkart, and DHL. Pharmaceutical exports from Pithampur SEZ have surged 35%, making air logistics vital.
The airport plans cold-chain storage facilities by February 2026. “This is no longer just a passenger hub,” said cargo manager Rakesh Dubey. “It’s becoming Central India’s logistics nerve.”
Sustainability Commitments
The AAI aims to make Indore Airport fully carbon-neutral by 2027. Initiatives include:
- Rainwater harvesting system covering 12 acres.
- LED airfield lighting reducing energy use by 45%.
- Electric ground-handling vehicles.
- Waste-segregation plant with bio-composting.
Indore, often dubbed India’s cleanest city, now wants its airport to mirror that legacy. “Our goal is to make sustainability visible, not just statistical,” said Director Kumar.
Safety and Security Enhancements
CISF has installed new AI-based CCTV analytics that flag unattended baggage and monitor passenger flow. Facial-recognition gates are being tested under the DigiYatra program.
“Efficiency shouldn’t compromise safety,” said CISF Commandant Anita Rathi. “These systems allow us to detect anomalies before they become incidents.”
The airport also completed an emergency evacuation drill with 300 participants last week, winning praise from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite progress, congestion remains a concern during peak hours. The terminal’s current capacity—1,200 passengers per hour—is nearing saturation. The AAI is evaluating a second terminal expansion plan under the National Infrastructure Pipeline.
Environmentalists caution against unchecked growth. “Indore’s airspace is shared with migratory bird corridors,” noted ecologist Dr Meera Jain. “We need mitigation plans before expansion.”
Authorities assured compliance with wildlife and noise regulations.
Tourism and Business Impact
Local entrepreneurs hail the new routes as game changers. “We host clients from Surat and Goa—now they can fly direct,” said Vikas Soni, owner of a textile-export firm.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board expects 20% higher arrivals this winter. Heritage circuits—Maheshwar, Mandu, and Omkareshwar—are being promoted as weekend getaways with Indore as the gateway.
“The airport is our new front door to the world,” said Tourism Commissioner Shilpa Gupta.
Voices from the Sky: Pilots and Ground Crew
Pilots appreciate the upgraded navigation aids and smoother runway texture. “Take-offs are less bumpy; braking efficiency has improved,” said Captain R. Sharma of Air India.
Ground staff share pride and fatigue. “It’s hectic but satisfying,” said Ravi Dubey, a marshaller. “We handle more planes but fewer complaints.”
Global Connectivity Dreams
With Dubai now added, the airport is eyeing direct links to Singapore, Bangkok, and Doha by late 2026. Talks with IndiGo and Vistara for regional international operations are underway.
“Indore’s diaspora in the Gulf deserves seamless travel,” said Ramesh Kumar. “We’re preparing customs and immigration counters for higher throughput.”
Passengers Speak: From Delay Woes to Delight
Not long ago, Indore’s flyers faced frequent delays due to fog and air-traffic congestion in Mumbai. With enhanced technology, punctuality rates now exceed 90%.
Neha Tiwari, a banker, said,
“Earlier I used to leave a day early for client meetings. Now I can trust the schedule.”
Such reliability, experts note, builds brand confidence—not just for airlines but for the city itself.
Editorial Perspective
Indore’s new winter schedule embodies the story of India’s regional aviation revival—a tale of ambition grounded in efficiency. As metros saturate, the future of India’s skies will be written in cities like Indore, where the runway lights glow not just for passengers, but for progress.
For every traveller boarding a flight from this heartland hub, it’s not just takeoff—it’s takeoff for Central India’s aspirations.
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