Airport, indore, madhya pradesh · AI-written from Wikipedia, not independently verified

A Guide to Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore

Discover the key features and history of Central India's busiest aviation hub.

Official airport website

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport — official website

IDR · VAID · Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Airport name, codes and official link checked 26 Oct 2026. Confirm current flights and travel requirements with the airport and your airline.

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Tags: Indore Airport · Madhya Pradesh · Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar · Central India · Airports Authority of India · Aviation

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport serves as the primary customs airport for Indore, which is recognized as the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh. Located at Bijasen Tekri approximately 8 km west of the city center, it holds the distinction of being the busiest airport in Central India. The facility is named in honor of Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the second ruler of the Holkar dynasty.

The airport operates with a single runway and features night landing facilities, which have supported both day and night operations since 2018. According to statistics from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airport handled approximately 4.2 million passengers during the 2025-26 period, ranking it as the 19th-busiest airport in the country by passenger traffic.

Historical Origins

The origins of the airport date back to the administration of the Indore State under Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II. The site near Bijasen was specifically selected for development following professional recommendations.

The selection process was guided by Nevill Vintcent of the Aviation Department of Messrs Tata and Sons. This strategic choice established the foundation for what has become a vital piece of infrastructure for the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Connectivity and Cargo Operations

In terms of connectivity, the airport caters to a network of approximately 21 domestic locations and one international destination. This reach supports Indore's status as a significant regional center for travel and commerce.

Beyond passenger travel, the airport serves as the primary cargo hub for Madhya Pradesh. Its cargo tonnage exceeds the combined total of the next four busiest airports in the state, earning it a rank of 15th-busiest cargo airport in India for 2024-25.

Operations and Infrastructure

The infrastructure at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport includes a single runway designed to handle consistent traffic. The implementation of night landing facilities in 2018 marked a significant update to its operational capabilities.

Management and statistical reporting for the facility are handled by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). These records reflect the airport's growth as a major transit point for both domestic and international travelers in the region.

Sources

Wikipedia — Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport