Parliament Question: Poor air connectivity and under-utilisation of airports in Madhya Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1004 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 9th February 2026 POOR AIR CONNECTIVITY AND UNDER-UTILISATION OF AIRPORTS IN MADHYA PRADESH 1004. SHRI VIVEK K. TANKHA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) the reasons for limited flight connectivity, low frequency of services and discontinuation of flights from airports at Gwalior and Jabalpur despite infrastructure investments of nearly Rs.500 crore; (b) details of flight cancellations and operational disruptions affecting passengers in Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior and Jabalpur over the last three years; (c) the impact of inadequate air connectivity on tourism, medical travel and economic activity in the State of Madhya Pradesh; and (d) the concrete measures proposed to ensure reliable airline operations and optimal utilisation of upgraded airports in the State? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) : With the repeal of Air Corporations Act in March 1994, the Indian domestic aviation has been deregulated. It is therefore up to the airlines to provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability subject to compliance with the extant guidelines in this regard. Airlines plan their domestic flight schedules on a specific route/city based on market demand, commercial feasibility and their company policy. (b) to (d): During the last three years, flight cancellations and operational disruptions at Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior and Jabalpur have occurred due to adverse weather and visibility conditions, restrictions on night operations, aircraft and crew unavailability, maintenance and leasing issues, temporary withdrawal of services by airlines and low passenger demand. The Government has taken measures including upgradation of airport infrastructure, monitoring and optimisation of slot utilisation by AAI, periodic review of airport capacity for creation of additional slots, and promotion of regional air connectivity through the UDAN scheme to ensure reliable airline operations and optimal utilisation of upgraded airports. ******