Bhopal: The aviation landscape in Bhopal is poised for a significant transformation as the Ministry of Home Affairs has given the green light for round-the-clock flight operations at Raja Bhoj airport.
This landmark decision, slated to take effect from August, follows the deployment approval of 444 CISF personnel to ensure seamless security throughout the day and night. The move marks a major milestone for Bhopal, placing it among the select airports nationwide that offer 24-hour flight services. Scheduled to commence in August, the extended operating hours are anticipated to attract airlines to consider Bhopal as a prime base station. With passenger load factors consistently surpassing 90%, the airport authority has been steadfast in its efforts to upgrade facilities to meet international standards. The approval for round-the-clock operations represents a significant stride towards achieving this goal, promising enhanced convenience and service quality for travellers.
In preparation for the seamless functioning of 24-hour operations, the airport has made provisions for night parking of aircraft, facilitating early morning departures and late-night arrivals. This expansion of operational hours is poised to revolutionize air travel in Bhopal, offering passengers greater flexibility in flight timings.
Currently, flight movements at Raja Bhoj airport kickstart around 7 am. However, with the advent of 24-hour operations, flights will be able to take off much earlier, enabling airlines to cater to the growing demand for early morning departures. Additionally, late-night arrivals will extend beyond the existing restrictions, with flights expected to land well past the current cut-off time of around 10.30 pm.
The decision to introduce 24-hour operations has received a positive response from airlines, which have long expressed interest in operating early morning flights from Bhopal. The newfound flexibility in scheduling services is poised to bolster connectivity and potentially lead to an uptick in the number of flights operating to and from Bhopal.
Raja Bhoj airport’s unwavering commitment to providing exemplary service has been duly recognized in recent Customer Satisfaction Surveys, where it consistently secured the top position. This recognition, coupled with the impending launch of 24-hour operations and ongoing infrastructure enhancements, is set to elevate Bhopal’s status as a pivotal aviation hub in the region. The approval of round-the-clock operations at Raja Bhoj airport heralds a new era for Bhopal’s aviation sector, promising enhanced convenience for passengers and driving economic growth through increased connectivity and airline engagement.
