Amravati gets wings: New airport opens with Mumbai flight, promises major boost for Vidarbha economy

What does the inauguration of Amravati Airport mean for Maharashtra’s regional air travel?

The inauguration of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Airport in Amravati on April 16, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s regional aviation strategy. Named after the renowned agricultural reformer and former Union Minister Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh, the airport is situated in Belora, about 15 kilometres from the Amravati city centre, and is now formally open to commercial passenger traffic.

This long-awaited aviation project aligns with the Indian government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which seeks to improve regional connectivity and make air travel more affordable and accessible for the common citizen. With its opening, Amravati becomes the latest city in the Vidarbha region to receive direct air connectivity, and the implications for economic and infrastructure development are substantial.

How did the first commercial flight inaugurate Amravati Airport?

The airport’s first flight was operated by Alliance Air, a government-owned regional airline under the UDAN scheme. The inaugural aircraft departed from Mumbai at 11:30 AM and landed in Amravati after a 1 hour and 45-minute journey, officially launching passenger services at the new airport. The flight was welcomed with the traditional water cannon salute upon arrival.

Regular flights on this Mumbai-Amravati route will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with fares starting from ₹2,100. This affordability aligns with UDAN’s core objective of making air travel accessible to smaller cities and towns.

Who were the key figures present at the airport’s inauguration ceremony?

The inauguration event was attended by a high-powered delegation from both the state and central governments. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has consistently backed infrastructure development in the Vidarbha region, led the ceremony. He was joined by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, underlining the event’s bipartisan support.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol were also present. Their participation underscored the airport’s strategic importance in the national aviation map and in fulfilling the UDAN scheme’s regional outreach.

What are the specifications and capabilities of Amravati Airport?

Amravati Airport spans over 389 hectares and features a runway length of 1,850 metres, making it suitable for regional aircraft such as the ATR-72 and CRJ-200. The terminal building, which covers 2,600 square metres, is designed to manage up to 200 passengers during peak operational hours.

In terms of infrastructure, the airport is equipped with modern navigational and safety facilities, ensuring seamless passenger experience and flight operations. Additionally, with land availability and future upgrade potential, the airport could be scaled to support larger aircraft and expanded operations in the coming years.

How is the airport expected to impact the Vidarbha economy?

The launch of Amravati Airport is being viewed not just as an aviation milestone but as a transformative economic opportunity for the Vidarbha region. The airport will drastically reduce travel time between Amravati and Mumbai — Maharashtra’s commercial capital — opening the door to new business, trade, and tourism possibilities.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted that the airport’s development would act as a catalyst for employment generation and industrial expansion. He highlighted that the region will also benefit from the upcoming PM Mitra Park, a textile-focused mega project expected to generate two lakh jobs. The airport will provide essential logistical support for such industrial corridors, enabling faster movement of goods and talent.

What role will Air India’s Flying Training Organization play?

One of the most significant announcements related to the airport is its future role as the site of South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organization (FTO), to be operated by Air India. The FTO is expected to train at least 180 commercial pilots annually, creating a domestic pipeline of skilled aviation professionals amid growing demand for airline crew across Indian carriers.

This development not only adds an educational dimension to Amravati’s new aviation identity but also positions it as a strategic hub for the Indian civil aviation sector’s future workforce needs.

How does this project align with India’s UDAN scheme and aviation goals?

Amravati Airport is part of a broader national effort under the UDAN initiative to democratize air travel across India. The scheme, which was launched in 2017, aims to connect tier-2 and tier-3 cities to the national aviation grid, making flights more affordable and convenient.

With the successful launch of Amravati Airport, the government is inching closer to its goal of operationalizing 100 unserved and underserved airports. This, in turn, is expected to relieve congestion at metro airports and decentralize the aviation ecosystem.

The Vidarbha region, which has long struggled with inadequate connectivity and economic disparities compared to western Maharashtra, now stands to benefit immensely from this policy thrust.

What is the public and political response to the launch?

The airport’s inauguration drew applause across political lines, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself acknowledging the project’s importance on social media. He stated that the new airport would “accelerate development and boost commerce in Vidarbha,” emphasizing its role in national development.

Leaders from both the National Democratic Alliance and state coalition partners framed the launch as a non-partisan achievement, reiterating that infrastructure investment remains a shared priority.

Local residents and businesses have also expressed optimism, viewing the airport as a gateway to new opportunities and higher standards of living in the region.

What challenges remain ahead for Amravati Airport?

While the launch of commercial operations is a positive step, challenges remain. Passenger load factors will need to justify operational sustainability, and consistent scheduling will be essential to building traveler trust.

Moreover, integration with local ground transport systems is still developing, and ensuring smooth last-mile connectivity between the city and the airport will be key to maintaining growth momentum. Future expansions may require additional funding, land acquisition, and environmental approvals, which could take time.

Nonetheless, the early interest from both government and the aviation industry points to strong institutional backing for the airport’s long-term viability.