Indore Airport Gets Major Boost: Renovated Terminal to Add 10 Lakh Annual Capacity, Udaan Cafe Launched
Indore, March 24, 2026 – In a significant development for central India's aviation infrastructure, the renovated terminal building at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is set to be inaugurated by Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu via video conference. The upgraded facility, developed at a cost of ₹50 crore, will enhance the airport's total annual passenger handling capacity to 50 lakh, marking a major milestone in the region's air connectivity expansion.
The project, which involves the refurbishment of the airport's old terminal building, will now function as Terminal 1 (T-1), giving the airport two operational terminals. The existing terminal currently handles 40 lakh passengers annually, while the addition of the renovated facility will contribute an additional 10 lakh passengers per year, effectively raising the combined capacity to 50 lakh.
Strategic Expansion to Address Growing Traffic
The infrastructure upgrade comes at a time when Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport has emerged as a critical aviation hub in central India. According to local officials, the airport currently handles more than 100 flights daily, including 92 scheduled passenger services, underscoring its growing importance in the regional aviation network.
Indore Lok Sabha MP Shankar Lalwani noted that the expanded terminal capacity would play a crucial role in accommodating rising passenger volumes and improving operational efficiency. The upgrade is expected to ease congestion, streamline passenger movement, and support the airport's evolving role as a gateway to the region.
Udaan Yatri Cafe to Offer Affordable Refreshments
Alongside the terminal inauguration, the Civil Aviation Minister will also launch the Udaan Yatri Cafe, an initiative under the Ministry of Civil Aviation's broader Udaan scheme. The subsidized food outlet is designed to provide passengers with affordable refreshments, offering essential items such as drinking water, tea, and commonly consumed snacks at significantly reduced rates.
The initiative aims to enhance passenger convenience by ensuring that quality food and beverage options remain accessible to all travelers, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The cafe concept has been rolled out across several non-metro airports in recent months as part of efforts to improve the overall passenger experience.
Broader Push for Non-Metro Airport Development
The Indore terminal expansion is part of a larger national push to upgrade aviation infrastructure in tier-II and tier-III cities, where air travel demand has been steadily increasing. With rising disposable incomes, improved regional connectivity, and the growth of tourism and business travel, airports in cities like Indore, Lucknow, and Varanasi have witnessed significant passenger growth in recent years.
By adding a second terminal, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is better positioned to manage future traffic growth, reduce wait times, and maintain service quality standards. The enhanced capacity also supports the government's regional connectivity goals under the Udaan scheme, which seeks to make air travel more accessible to citizens across the country.
Outlook
With the renovated terminal now ready for operations and the introduction of passenger-friendly initiatives like the Udaan Yatri Cafe, the Indore airport is set to offer a more seamless and affordable travel experience. The expansion is expected to further cement the airport's status as a key aviation hub in central India, supporting the region's economic growth and connectivity needs in the years ahead.