Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is expanding its aviation network under the Civil Aviation Policy-2025 to enhance connectivity and access to emergency, healthcare and tourism services. The state now has eight airports, more than 20 airstrips and 220 helipads, with the number of airports set to rise to 10 soon.
International connectivity has also expanded with direct flights from Indore to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The state is developing new airports, airstrips and permanent helipads in all 230 Assembly constituencies, while the PM Shri Air Ambulance and PM Shri Heli Tourism Service are extending the benefits of air services to more citizens and visitors.
A Stronger Aviation Network Taking Shape
Madhya Pradesh currently has eight airports, more than 20 airstrips and 220 helipads. In 2023-24, five major airports—Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Khajuraho—were operational. Rewa, Datia and Satna were added in 2024-25, taking the total to eight. Development work is underway at airports in Ujjain and Shivpuri.
Airport every 150 km, Airstrip Every 75 km and Helipad every 45 km
The state is working to develop an airport every 150 km, an airstrip every 75 km and a helipad every 45 km, along with permanent helipads in all 230 Assembly constituencies.
Approval Process Underway for Five New Airports—Singrauli Given Priority
The Central Government is processing approval for five new airports, with Singrauli accorded priority. Under the UDAN scheme, 10 existing airstrips are proposed to be developed as airports at Singrauli, Sagar, Neemuch, Chhindwara, Mandla, Khandwa, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Umaria and Shahdol.
New Government Aircraft to Reduce Aviation Expenditure
The state government is set to receive a new government aircraft, reducing its dependence on chartered planes and strengthening its aviation capabilities. Given Madhya Pradesh’s vast geographical area, a government aircraft is important for rapid access and emergency operations. The state has relied on chartered aircraft since its government plane was damaged at Gwalior during the COVID-19 pandemic while transporting Remdesivir to different parts of the state. The new government aircraft is expected to reduce the state’s monthly air travel expenditure to around one-third of the current level.
PM Shri Air Ambulance Providing Timely Medical Assistance
The PM Shri Air Ambulance Service has been operational in Madhya Pradesh since May 29, 2024. Ayushman cardholders are provided free air transportation to government and Ayushman-empanelled hospitals within and outside the state. Non-Ayushman beneficiaries can avail themselves of free air transportation to government hospitals within the state, while services outside the state are provided at prescribed rates. Transportation within the state requires the approval of the District Collector, while transportation outside the state requires approval from the Director of Medical Education. So far, 186 patients and accident victims have benefited from the service.
PM Shri Heli Tourism Service Expands Access to Spiritual, Heritage and Wildlife Destinations
The PM Shri Heli Tourism Service offers convenient access to Madhya Pradesh’s spiritual, heritage and natural attractions. The service is being operated under a three-year PPP contract, using modern single- and twin-engine helicopters with a minimum capacity of six passengers. The designated routes include Indore-Ujjain-Omkareshwar for spiritual tourism, Bhopal-Chanderi-Orchha for heritage tourism and Jabalpur-Maihar-Chitrakoot-Kanha-Bandhavgarh for wildlife tourism. Joy rides are also available at Chanderi and Orchha. More than 5,200 passengers have used the heli service so far, while over 680 joy rides have been operated.
Direct Indore-Abu Dhabi Flight Strengthens International Connectivity
The direct flight between Indore and Abu Dhabi is the first international flight from the state supported under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Aviation Policy-2025. The approximately three-hour-15-minute direct service has established an air link between Indore and Abu Dhabi, creating new opportunities for development, trade, tourism and global investment.
Datana-Matana Airport Being Developed for Simhastha-2028
The Datana-Matana Airport in Ujjain is being developed under RCS-UDAN 5.2, with a 1,800-metre runway in the initial phase, expandable to 2,700 metres. The airport will play an important role during Simhastha-2028. Once the Ujjain and Shivpuri airports are completed, Madhya Pradesh will have 10 airports.
These initiatives will further improve air connectivity across Madhya Pradesh. The addition of a new government aircraft, development of Datana-Matana Airport, expansion of new airports and airstrips, permanent helipads in all Assembly constituencies and implementation of the Civil Aviation Policy-2025 are creating a broader aviation network in the state. With growing development activity and preparations for Simhastha-2028, these initiatives will further strengthen air connectivity and support Madhya Pradesh’s overall growth.
