Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Terminal-1, inaugurated on March 29 by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, is yet to become operational even after two months. Built at a cost of over ₹50 crore, the revamped terminal was expected to significantly ease passenger load and improve flight handling capacity, but it continues to remain unused, disappointing travellers and stakeholders. The project involved upgrading the old terminal, which had been shut since 2012, into a modern facility with an annual passenger handling capacity of around 10 lakh. The inauguration had announced plans to shift operations for smaller ATR aircraft to the new terminal starting April, but that transition has not materialised yet.
Officials cite pending operational requirements as the key reason behind the delay. While clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has now been granted, the terminal still awaits several essential approvals and arrangements. A major hurdle remains the shortage of 150 CISF personnel required for security deployment, along with pending tenders for housekeeping and passenger service operations.
Meanwhile, the urgency to operationalise the terminal has reduced due to a decline in passenger traffic. Over 16 flights from Indore have been discontinued in recent months, and daily passenger numbers have dropped to around 3,000, allowing existing infrastructure to manage operations without immediate pressure. Despite being equipped with 14 check-in counters, food courts, parking facilities, and VIP lounges, the terminal remains non-functional, raising questions over project execution and readiness planning. Authorities have yet to announce a definitive timeline for its opening.
