Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha that a new terminal building at Udaipur international airport will be completed and inaugurated this year. He indicated that discussions are under way with airlines to commence overseas services from the city. The statement responded to a query from BJP MP Chunnilal Garasiya about the timeline for international operations.

The minister noted that the Indian aviation sector has witnessed strong growth during the last 11 years of the Modi government, with the number of airports and aircraft increasing sharply and passenger numbers rising accordingly. This expansion has altered operational demand at regional airports and emphasised the need for enhanced infrastructure and connectivity. Udaipur's upgraded terminal is presented as part of that broader growth trajectory.

Naidu drew attention to the consequent requirement for additional workforce and described steps taken in the last four to five years to build capacity. He explained that apprenticeship and skill development in airport ground handling and related operational areas are undertaken by Ground Handling Agencies (GHAs) as part of their operational requirements. GHAs recruit personnel and provide training that combines structured classroom instruction, on-the-job learning and periodic refresher programmes covering passenger handling, baggage management, ramp operations and safety procedures.

The minister further stated that skilling initiatives also address emergency response, customer service and operation of specialised equipment and are aligned with broader Government policies on skill development. Training and capacity building activities are carried out in collaboration with airlines, training institutes and other service providers and are implemented across the country based on operational needs. Preparations for the terminal completion and outreach to carriers for international routes are continuing ahead of the planned inauguration this year.