Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj International Airport Now Open 24 Hours for Better Travel and Growth
New Delhi [India], October 1: Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has started 24-hour operations from today. This change aims to improve connectivity, provide smoother travel experiences, and support the growth of both regional and national air traffic, according to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The new schedule will give airlines, medical flights, and general aviation more flexibility in planning their operations. Airlines can now also consider setting up bases at Bhopal Airport, making better use of the airport’s infrastructure and resources.
Currently, Bhopal Airport has 220 scheduled flights weekly, connecting to nine domestic destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Raipur, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Lucknow. There is also a high demand for flights to other cities like Pune, Goa, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Bhubaneshwar, Varanasi, Jammu, Srinagar, and Guwahati.
With the new 24-hour operations, the number of weekly scheduled flights is expected to increase to 268 during the winter season of 2024. IndiGo will start a direct flight on the Pune-Bhopal-Pune route from October 27, 2024, and bookings have already begun.
According to the AAI, extending operational hours will allow more flights to land and take off, improving connectivity, especially for long-haul routes. This will attract more airlines and routes, making Bhopal Airport a more important hub. Travelers will have more flexible flight options, enhancing passenger satisfaction and attracting more visitors to Bhopal.
The AAI also mentioned that more flights and passengers will boost local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, leading to job creation and stimulating the local economy. Bhopal’s rich cultural and religious heritage will become more accessible to tourists, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.
24-hour operations will also improve cargo handling, making logistics more efficient and attracting businesses that rely on air freight. This will further boost the local economy and provide locals with better access to enhanced medical facilities.
Night parking facilities will now be available at Bhopal Airport, facilitating connections within India and to international destinations. Since many international operators prefer night operations, this change will encourage airlines to consider international flights from Bhopal Airport.
The AAI believes that transitioning to 24-hour operations will enhance passenger service, drive economic growth, and improve overall operational efficiency. This change will help Bhopal Airport position itself as a leading airport in the country, meeting the demands of a growing travel market and supporting Bhopal’s aspirations as a vital transportation hub in the region.
Notably, Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj International Airport is the second airport in Madhya Pradesh to begin 24-hour operations, following Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, which started 24×7 operations in March 2018 and is one of the busiest airports in the state.
Doubts Revealed
Raja Bhoj International Airport -: Raja Bhoj International Airport is an airport in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is named after Raja Bhoj, a famous king from Indian history.
24-hour operations -: 24-hour operations mean that the airport will be open all day and night, without closing. This allows flights to arrive and depart at any time.
connectivity -: Connectivity in this context means how well the airport is linked to other places. Better connectivity means more flights to different cities, making it easier for people to travel.
regional and national air traffic growth -: Regional air traffic growth means more flights within a specific area, like within Madhya Pradesh. National air traffic growth means more flights across the whole country of India.
flexible flight planning -: Flexible flight planning means airlines can schedule flights at different times, not just during the day. This helps passengers find flights that fit their schedules better.
IndiGo -: IndiGo is a popular airline in India. It offers many flights to different cities within the country.
Pune-Bhopal-Pune flight -: This means there will be a direct flight from Pune to Bhopal and then back from Bhopal to Pune. Pune is another big city in India.
economic growth -: Economic growth means the increase in the amount of goods and services produced by a region. More flights can bring more tourists and business, helping the local economy.
operational efficiency -: Operational efficiency means doing things in a better, faster, and cheaper way. For an airport, this means handling more flights and passengers smoothly.
