Airports Authority of India’s Bhopal and Madurai airports commenced 24-hour operations with effect from October 1, 2024. This milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing connectivity, providing seamless travel experience and supporting the growth of regional as well as national air traffic. This will provide flexibility to airlines, non-scheduled operators, medical flights and general aviation for efficient planning of aircraft operations. Airlines can also plan bases at the airports. This will also enable effective use of airport infrastructure and resources, highlighted a release.
Extending operational hours will allow more flights to land and take off, thereby improving connectivity, especially for flights of long-haul routes. This will attract more airlines and routes, making the airports more prominent hubs.
24-hour operations will facilitate better cargo handling, allowing for more efficient logistics operations. This will attract businesses that rely on air freight, further boosting the local economy.
It will also enable the locals to have better access to enhanced medical facilities.
With the starting of 24-hour operations, night parking facility will be available at the airports as well. This will help them facilitate connections not only within India but also to international destinations. Since most international operators prefer to operate during night time from India, 24-hour operations will encourage airlines to consider international operations from the airports. It will also allow airlines to plan night parking at the airports and plan base flights, the release added.