No int’l flights for public yet, airport flies high on pvt ops

Bhopal: Bhopal airport's quiet rise as an international gateway is gained momentum in 2025, even as it lacked scheduled international flights. The catch? Immigration services.Data from airport authorities showed a record-breaking year with 30 international flight movements, the highest ever recorded at Bhopal. The surge carried 633 passengers, highlighting the facility's growing appeal for business travellers, medical tourists and high-net-worth individuals. The Raja Bhoj International Airport launched dedicated immigration services in 2023, transforming it into a key hub for non-scheduled operations, with charter and private flights turning the central Indian airport into a hotspot for global connectivity. Most movements originated from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Dubai led with the most frequent connections, followed by Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Operators shuttled executives for corporate meets, wellness retreats and family visits, using Bhopal's strategic location in Madhya Pradesh.Airport Director Ramjee Awasthi highlighted the milestone. "Immigration clearance has been a game-changer," he said. "We've processed over 600 passengers seamlessly, boosting non-scheduled operations in 2025. Customs officials reported smooth handling of high-value cargo too, from electronics to perishables," said Awasthi. The development aligned with India's aviation push under the UDAN scheme, aimed at decongesting tier-1 airports. Bhopal's infrastructure, including upgraded runways, modern terminals and 24/7 ATC, supported wide-body jets. Private operators, including those from UAE-based carriers, praised the efficiency and cited shorter turnaround times.Local stakeholders pointed to economic gains. "These flights inject tourism dollars," said Bhopal Chamber of Commerce official. Hotels near the airport reported 20% occupancy spikes during peak charters. Officials say that Bhopal has recently emerged as a national leader in passenger service excellence by securing the top position in the Airports Authority of India's (AAI) Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) 2025. The city has topped the Category-III (15-35 lakh passengers) in the new assessment.Once ranking in the twenties nationally, Bhopal Airport began its ascent by securing 3rd rank in Round-I and 2nd in Round-II of CSS 2022. It continued this momentum by achieving 1st position in both rounds of CSS 2023, number 1 in round 1 earlier this year and now retains that top spot in 2025.As 2026 unfolds, officials eyed scheduled routes to Dubai and Singapore. With 30 movements setting a benchmark, Bhopal Airport aimed to double that figure.