(a) the total number of airports established by Airports Authority of India in Madhya Pradesh;
(b) whether the Government proposes to upgrade them to international standards;
(c) if so, the number and names of the airports proposed to be upgraded out of the above along with the action taken in this regard;
(d) the names of the airports from where international flights are likely to be started after the expansion of airports; and
(e) the time by which these are scheduled to be started?
The Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Jayant Sinha)
(a): Airports Authority of India (AAI) owns and maintains 8 airports in Madhya Pradesh, including five operational airports at Bhopal, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Indore & Civil Enclave at Gwalior and three non-operational airports at Khandwa, Panna & Satna.;
(b) & (c): Development and upgradation of airports to international standards is a continuous process, which is undertaken by AAI from time to time depending upon commercial viability, traffic demand, availability of land etc. Bhopal, Indore and Khajuraho airports have already been upgraded to international standards with New Integrated Terminal Buildings and other associated work. Further, AAI has also initiated work for extension of existing runway, construction of new terminal building and other allied works for operations of AB-320 type of aircraft at Jabalpur Airport.;
(d) & (e): Indian carriers are free to mount air services from any point in India to foreign destinations as per the respective bilateral air service agreements. However, actual operations are guided by traffic demand and commercial judgment of the airlines.