+
Air traffic dynamics: Boost for Ayodhya, challenges for Shirdi and Tirupati
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Air traffic dynamics: Boost for Ayodhya, challenges for Shirdi and Tirupati

With the commencement of operations at the Ayodhya airport and the initiation of regular services from January 6, there is an anticipated boost in religious tourism across the country. However, Airport Authority of India (AAI) data indicates a year-on-year decline in domestic air traffic for temple towns Shirdi and Tirupati between April and November in FY24. Contrarily, Amritsar and Varanasi experienced a year-on-year increase in air traffic during the same period.

Despite a steady influx of devotees to Shirdi and Tirupati, the decrease in air traffic is attributed to a reduction in flights by SpiceJet. Another contributing factor may be the addition of flights from Nashik, located 90 kilometres from Shirdi, as suggested by Ameya Joshi, the founder of the aviation blog Network Thoughts.

In the April-November period, Shirdi airport handled 440,998 domestic passengers, reflecting an almost 8 per cent decline from the previous year. Tirupati airport, with 567,023 passengers during the same period, experienced a 5 per cent decrease. In contrast, Amritsar and Varanasi airports witnessed a substantial increase, serving 1,288,238 and 1,877,413 passengers, respectively, marking gains of over 18 per cent and 20 per cent. Swati Pandey, Managing Director of Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), stated that discussions are underway with SpiceJet and other airlines to introduce new services to Shirdi.

To accommodate the growing traffic, MADC has invited bids for the construction of a new integrated terminal building at Shirdi Airport. The current terminal can handle 300 passengers per hour, while the new facility is designed to accommodate 1,200 passengers, equipped with custom and immigration facilities, with an expected completion time of two to two-and-a-half years.

Shirdi Airport, operated by MADC, boasts nine aircraft parking bays, which are also being offered to airlines for night parking. Meanwhile, in Tirupati, efforts are being made to establish international connectivity. The airport was designated for international operations in 2017, and steps are being taken to secure international flights, including engaging with airlines and seeking support from the central government. The ongoing extension of Tirupati airport's runway from 2,285 meters to 3,810 meters is progressing, enabling the operation of wide-body planes. The completion of this extension depends on the removal of an extra high-tension power line in the runway's approach path, according to Tirupati's airport director Basava Raju.

With the commencement of operations at the Ayodhya airport and the initiation of regular services from January 6, there is an anticipated boost in religious tourism across the country. However, Airport Authority of India (AAI) data indicates a year-on-year decline in domestic air traffic for temple towns Shirdi and Tirupati between April and November in FY24. Contrarily, Amritsar and Varanasi experienced a year-on-year increase in air traffic during the same period. Despite a steady influx of devotees to Shirdi and Tirupati, the decrease in air traffic is attributed to a reduction in flights by SpiceJet. Another contributing factor may be the addition of flights from Nashik, located 90 kilometres from Shirdi, as suggested by Ameya Joshi, the founder of the aviation blog Network Thoughts. In the April-November period, Shirdi airport handled 440,998 domestic passengers, reflecting an almost 8 per cent decline from the previous year. Tirupati airport, with 567,023 passengers during the same period, experienced a 5 per cent decrease. In contrast, Amritsar and Varanasi airports witnessed a substantial increase, serving 1,288,238 and 1,877,413 passengers, respectively, marking gains of over 18 per cent and 20 per cent. Swati Pandey, Managing Director of Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), stated that discussions are underway with SpiceJet and other airlines to introduce new services to Shirdi. To accommodate the growing traffic, MADC has invited bids for the construction of a new integrated terminal building at Shirdi Airport. The current terminal can handle 300 passengers per hour, while the new facility is designed to accommodate 1,200 passengers, equipped with custom and immigration facilities, with an expected completion time of two to two-and-a-half years. Shirdi Airport, operated by MADC, boasts nine aircraft parking bays, which are also being offered to airlines for night parking. Meanwhile, in Tirupati, efforts are being made to establish international connectivity. The airport was designated for international operations in 2017, and steps are being taken to secure international flights, including engaging with airlines and seeking support from the central government. The ongoing extension of Tirupati airport's runway from 2,285 meters to 3,810 meters is progressing, enabling the operation of wide-body planes. The completion of this extension depends on the removal of an extra high-tension power line in the runway's approach path, according to Tirupati's airport director Basava Raju.

Next Story
Real Estate

Manglam, Fern Hotels Sign 200+ Key Apart’otel in Jaipur’s Pinkwalk

Manglam Group has signed a 200+ key serviced apart’otel under the Fern Habitat brand in Jaipur, marking a key milestone in its Rs 10 billion hospitality investment strategy. Located within Pinkwalk, Manglam’s flagship mixed-use development in Jagatpura, the project will cater to both short and extended-stay travellers with apartment-style units paired with hotel services. The Fern Habitat Pinkwalk will offer fully serviced accommodations with kitchenettes, daily housekeeping, and on-site dining. The concept blends the independence of apartment living with the comfort of hotel-grade am..

Next Story
Real Estate

Schon Doorways Launches Monsoon-Ready Aluminium Casement Windows

Schon Doorways, a premium player in doors and window solutions, has launched its new range of aluminium casement and sliding windows, designed specifically to endure the Indian monsoon. Engineered with high-performance tempered glass and ultra-slim aluminium profiles, the windows combine aesthetic appeal with monsoon resilience. Available in single and double track options, the windows offer anti-collision strips, flyscreens, and high load-bearing strength—providing protection against heavy rains, strong winds, and pests. Wall thickness ranges from 1.6 mm to 5.00 mm, offering flexibilit..

Next Story
Resources

LG Charts Global HVAC Leadership With AI, Acquisitions and Localisation

LG Electronics has unveiled a strategic roadmap to transform its ES Company into a top-tier global HVAC solutions provider by 2030, targeting KRW 20 trillion in revenue. The plan, announced at LG Sciencepark, South Korea, focuses on expanding B2B industrial sales, advancing AI-based technologies for data centres, and strengthening localised operations across key regions. Central to LG’s roadmap is growth in the fast-expanding data centre cooling segment. With the global chiller market projected to reach USD 12 billion by 2027, LG aims for KRW 1 trillion in sales by 2027. The company has..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?