Madhya Pradesh is expanding its regional air network with four new direct domestic routes while also upgrading its primary aviation hub, Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal. Read on to know more.
Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport Inaugurates 4 Direct Flights
As per a report by The Hitavada, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu jointly inaugurated the new Alliance Air services connecting Bhopal-Rewa, Bhopal-Patna, Rewa-Kolkata and Jabalpur-Kolkata.
The routes have been introduced under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Aviation Policy 2025, with the state offering Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of up to ₹10 lakh per round trip. The services are targeted at improving connectivity between the Vindhya and Mahakaushal regions, Bhopal and major cities in eastern India. The new non-stop services are expected to substantially reduce travel time compared with rail journeys and connecting flights.
The Bhopal-Rewa flight takes around 1.5 hours, compared with approximately 10 hours by train. The Bhopal-Patna service takes about two hours instead of nearly 22 hours by rail. Similarly, Rewa-Kolkata takes around two hours compared with roughly 22 hours by train, while the Jabalpur-Kolkata flight takes approximately 2.5 hours.
The direct services are also projected to offer more affordable fares. Earlier, tourists often had to take connecting flights through Delhi, with fares ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.
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Under the new services, Bhopal-Rewa fares are around ₹3,500, with dynamic pricing starting at approximately ₹2,700 and capped at ₹3,500. Rewa-Kolkata fares are set at ₹3,200, while Bhopal-Patna and Jabalpur-Kolkata tickets are priced at ₹4,500.
Services From The Upgraded Raja Bhoj Airport
The Bhopal-Rewa service will operate four days a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Bhopal-Patna will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, while Rewa-Kolkata and Jabalpur-Kolkata will run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The development comes alongside a major modernisation drive at Raja Bhoj Airport. The terminal now features DigiYatra facial-biometric entry, charging facilities, powered recliners, a children’s play area, upgraded washrooms and a Flybrary book-sharing facility.
Airside facilities have also been strengthened with a CAT-II Instrument Landing System, Advanced Weather Observation System, new ATC tower, upgraded Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting station and additional passenger boarding bridges.
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The airport also has a dedicated cargo terminal, Aviation Security Training Institute and solar installations that have helped it secure Level 2 Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International. Looking ahead, the state has announced plans for a direct Bhopal-Sharjah flight, five new airports beginning with Singrauli, and further aviation expansion under the extended UDAN scheme.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is Raja Bhoj an international airport?
Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is primarily a domestic airport.