Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport is set to undergo significant repairs, impacting night flight operations for an entire year. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has announced a ₹ 25.27 crore project to resurface the runway, beginning in February 2025. This major repair is necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the runway, which has experienced wear and tear from consistent flight operations since its last resurfacing in 2017.
The repair process will involve removing the existing runway surface and replacing it with a new layer, much like resurfacing a road. This process, known as re-carpeting, will require a full year to complete. To minimize disruption, the repair work will be conducted overnight from midnight to 6 a.m., during which time all night flight operations will be suspended. Existing flight schedules will be adjusted accordingly.
The impact of these repairs is expected to be felt most by airline operator Indigo, which operates several early morning and late-night flights to destinations including Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. These flights will likely need to be rescheduled during the winter season to accommodate the runway repairs.
The tender for the project is scheduled to be awarded on October 1st, with work commencing in February 2025. Passengers and airlines are advised to stay informed about flight schedule changes and potential travel disruptions during this period. The AAI is committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the airport while carrying out these essential repairs.
