CM Mohan Yadav has stressed the importance of seamless air connectivity to boost tourism in Madhya Pradesh. He directed officials to enhance aviation facilities, ensuring easy access for tourists to the state’s rich historical and cultural sites. Coordination between the Aviation, Culture, Tourism, and Medical Departments is crucial to achieving this goal. The government is committed to transforming Madhya Pradesh into a regional aviation hub by providing necessary infrastructure and support. These directives were issued during a review meeting of the Aviation Department at Samatva Bhavan on Tuesday.
Infrastructure Development & Air Connectivity Expansion
CM Mohan Yadav acknowledged public inconvenience due to traffic restrictions during VVIP and VIP movements. To address this, he ordered the construction of a new helipad near Vallabh Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence, ensuring smoother travel and minimizing disruptions. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (CMO) Dr. Rajesh Rajoura, Additional Chief Secretary (Aviation) Shri Sanjay Kumar Shukla, Aviation Commissioner Shri Chandra Mauli Shukla, and other senior officials.
Recognizing the vast potential of religious, medical, cultural, and tribal tourism, CM Mohan Yadav directed officials to align aviation infrastructure with employment opportunities. He called for the introduction of diploma and degree programs in pilot and crew training institutes, alongside efforts to increase the number of pilots through recruitment and training.
To expand domestic flight services from major cities,CM Mohan Yadav urged collaboration with other states and aviation companies. He encouraged pilot training institutions to establish operations in Madhya Pradesh and advised universities to introduce aviation-related professional courses. The government will provide airstrips for student training programs.
New Airports, Helipads & Aviation Policy
CM Mohan Yadav announced the upcoming inauguration of Satna and Datia airports, both crucial for boosting religious tourism. He also directed the activation of inactive helipads across the state to enhance accessibility to air ambulance and helicopter services.
Additional Chief Secretary (Aviation) Sanjay Kumar Shukla reported a significant rise in air passenger numbers in the state. In 2023-24, approximately 5.5 million passengers used Madhya Pradesh’s airports, with projections reaching 7.5 million by March 2025. The state currently contributes 1.45% to India’s total air traffic, with a target of increasing it to 5%.
Madhya Pradesh has eight airports, six of which are operational, while Satna and Datia airports await inauguration. CM Mohan Yadav also instructed the expansion of Satna Airport’s runway from 1,200 meters to 1,800 meters to accommodate larger aircraft.
The state government has begun land acquisition for new airports in Ujjain and Shivpuri. Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade and expand airstrips in cities such as Ujjain, Singrauli, Sagar (Dhana), Neemuch, Shivpuri, Chhindwara, Mandla, Khandwa, and Ratlam. Development is also being carried out in smaller cities, including Balaghat (Birwa), Pachmarhi, Guna, Khargone, Mandsaur, Seoni, Sidhi, Panna, Jhabua, Shahdol, and Umaria.
Madhya Pradesh’s New Civil Aviation Policy-2025 aims to establish the state as a regional aviation hub by connecting all districts to national and international air networks. The policy also prioritizes air cargo facilities to support agricultural and industrial growth, fostering overall socio-economic development.
Advancing Air Travel & Training
CM Mohan Yadav emphasized that air travel expansion will offer affordable, modern, and safe transportation for citizens. The government is also working on setting up new pilot training centers to build a skilled workforce and create employment opportunities for youth.
The new aviation policy has already attracted interest from several aviation companies and training institutes eager to expand in Madhya Pradesh. Although the state government currently does not own any aircraft, an order has been placed for a double-engine jet, expected to be delivered by May 2026, and a double-engine helicopter, set to arrive by January 2027.
Currently, direct flights connect Bhopal to 12 cities and Indore to 22 cities. Madhya Pradesh also houses 11 flight training institutes, including India’s first helicopter training institute in Khajuraho. Furthermore, the airports in Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur have been included in the Indian government’s Agricultural Flight Scheme to facilitate the transportation of perishable goods.
Through these initiatives, Madhya Pradesh is on track to become a major aviation hub, driving economic growth, job creation, and improved connectivity across the state and beyond.