Bhopal Airport with night parking facility begins 24-Hour Operations
The Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) Bhopal Airport has officially commenced 24-hour operations starting from Tuesday, including the introduction of a night parking facility. This significant development is expected to enhance connectivity, improve the travel experience, and support the growth of both regional and national air traffic.
The extended operational hours offer greater flexibility to airlines, non-scheduled operators, medical flights, and general aviation, enabling more efficient planning of aircraft operations. Airlines can now also consider establishing bases at Bhopal Airport, optimizing the use of its infrastructure and resources.
Currently, Bhopal Airport manages 220 scheduled flights weekly, connecting nine domestic destinations: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Raipur, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Lucknow. There is growing demand for additional connectivity to cities like Pune, Goa, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Jammu, Srinagar, and Guwahati. With the introduction of 24-hour operations, the number of scheduled flights is projected to increase to 268 movements during the winter season of 2024.
In response to this demand, Indigo Airlines will launch a much-anticipated direct flight between Pune and Bhopal, starting October 27, 2024, with bookings already open.
The extension of operational hours is expected to significantly improve connectivity, particularly for long-haul routes. This, in turn, will attract more airlines and routes to Bhopal Airport, making it a prominent hub and offering travelers more flexible flight options. The enhanced convenience will boost passenger satisfaction and likely increase travel to the region.
Additionally, local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services are expected to benefit from the influx of passengers, stimulating the local economy and creating job opportunities. The cityโs rich cultural and religious heritage will also become more accessible to tourists, driving growth in the tourism sector.
The round-the-clock operations will also improve cargo handling capabilities, attracting businesses that rely on air freight and boosting local logistics. The initiative is further expected to improve access to medical services for residents.
Night parking facilities will now be available at Bhopal Airport, supporting connections within India and potentially facilitating international operations. Many international carriers prefer nighttime slots, and the 24-hour schedule may encourage airlines to consider international routes from Bhopal. This will also allow for better flight planning and increased night parking options at the airport.