Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced plans to significantly expand air connectivity across the state, including rural and remote areas, as part of the government’s New Civil Aviation Policy 2025.

The initiative aims to establish one airport every 150 kilometres and one airstrip every 75 kilometres, linking urban centres with rural regions. In the past year, three new airports at Rewa, Datia, and Satna have become operational, while work has begun on new airports in Shivpuri and Ujjain, with land acquisition under way.

Madhya Pradesh currently has eight airports, six of which are operational, including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Khajuraho. The new policy is designed to position the state as a regional aviation hub by connecting every district to national and international air traffic, with infrastructure development covering airports, airstrips, and helipads.

Special focus will also be placed on air cargo facilities, which are expected to accelerate agricultural and industrial growth and contribute to socio-economic development. The government stated that expanding air connectivity will not only enhance tourism and trade but also boost emergency services, generate local employment, and drive economic growth.

According to official data, 5.5 million passengers travelled through Madhya Pradesh airports in FY 2023–24, with the figure projected to rise to 7.5 million by March 2025. The state currently accounts for 1.45 per cent of India’s air traffic, with a target of reaching 5 per cent.