Khajuraho Airport is expected to resume regular scheduled flight operations in September, after a suspension of nearly two months caused by the airline's internal operational and commercial planning, Airport Director Santosh Singh said on Tuesday, 28 July. The hiatus has temporarily cut air access to one of India's most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Why Flights Were Suspended

Singh clarified that the suspension had no connection to any infrastructure deficiency at the airport itself. Instead, it stemmed from factors including aircraft availability, network restructuring, crew management, and slot allocation decisions made by the airline.

'The suspension of regular flight operations over the past two months is due to the airline's operational and commercial planning, including aircraft availability, network restructuring, crew management and slot allocation. We expect regular flight services to resume from September,' Singh said at a press conference.

Airport Ranked No. 1 in AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey

Despite the flight suspension, the airport has remained fully operational and continued to invest in passenger facilities. Notably, Khajuraho Airport secured the top rank in the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) survey, based on direct passenger feedback.

'The recognition reflects the quality of passenger amenities, cleanliness, safety and services being provided at the airport,' Singh said. The airport has rolled out more than 25 new passenger amenities, including a Kids' Zone, Fly Library, free Wi-Fi, child care and baby feeding room, EV charging station, automated parking, prepaid taxi service, tourist assistance centre, mobile charging points, upgraded restrooms, disabled-friendly infrastructure, and a VIP lounge.

Passenger Traffic and Infrastructure

Footfall at the airport has grown steadily in recent years. Nearly 40,000 passengers travelled through Khajuraho Airport between January and June this year. Annual figures show a sharp recovery: 15,701 in 2022, rising to 50,300 in 2023, 49,715 in 2024, and 51,543 in 2025.

The airport is equipped with a 2,286-metre runway, two aerobridges, 10 aircraft parking stands, a CAT-I Instrument Landing System (ILS), DVOR/DME navigation aids, a modern Air Traffic Control system, and a passenger terminal with an annual handling capacity of 1.5 million passengers. A radar surveillance facility is also planned.

Impact on Tourism and Local Economy

Khajuraho, home to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage temple complex, draws a significant volume of domestic and international tourists each year. The resumption of scheduled services is expected to restore air connectivity that directly supports the region's hospitality and tourism sectors.

'Once regular flight operations resume, the upgraded infrastructure and enhanced passenger amenities will provide a better travel experience for domestic and international tourists while giving a boost to tourism and the local economy,' Singh said. All eyes are now on the airline's September timeline, with stakeholders in the region watching closely for a formal schedule announcement.