New Delhi: Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) Madurai Airport commenced 24 hours operations with effect from October 1. This milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing connectivity, providing a seamless travel experience and supporting the growth of regional as well as national Air traffic. This will provide flexibility to Airlines, Non-Scheduled operators, Medical flights and General Aviation for efficient planning of Aircraft operations. Airlines can also plan bases at Madurai Airport. This will also enable effective use of Airport Infrastructure and resources.
At an event organised at Madurai Airport to formally start the 24 hours operations, AAI Chairman M Suresh underscored the organisation’s strategic approach towards this transformative upgrade. He also emphasised upon the widespread benefits through the commencement of round-the-clock operations from the Airport.
The event also saw the esteemed presence of MPs namely Manickam Tagore, S Venkatesan, MLAs namely VV Rajan Chellappa, AMS G Ashokan and senior officials from the District Administration.
At present Madurai has 248 scheduled movements in a week and is connected to cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Singapore, Dubai and Colombo. Additionally, there is a demand for flight connectivity to other cities of India like Pune, Goa, Kolkata, Cochin, Bhubaneshwar, Varanasi, Guwahati, etc. With round the clock operations the weekly scheduled movements in winter season 2024 is expected to be around 344 movements for Madurai Airport.
Extending operational hours will allow more flights to land and take off, thereby improving connectivity, especially for flights of long-haul routes. This will attract more airlines and routes, making Madurai Airport a more prominent hub. Travelers will have more flexible flight options, making travel easier and more convenient. This will enhance passenger satisfaction and attract more travelers to Madurai.
With more flights and passengers, local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services will likely see increased demand. This will lead to job creation and stimulate the local economy. Madurai has a rich cultural and religious heritage. Round-the-clock operations will make this city more accessible to tourists, especially those from different time zones, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.
24-hour operations will also facilitate better cargo handling, allowing for more efficient logistics operations. This will attract businesses that rely on air freight, further boosting the local economy. It will also enable the locals to have better access to enhanced medical facilities.
With the starting of 24-hour operations, Night parking facility will be available at Madurai Airport as well. This will help the Airport to facilitate connections not only within India but also to international destinations. Since most international operators prefer to operate during night time from India, 24-hour operations will encourage airlines to consider international operations from Madurai Airport. It will also allow airlines to plan night parking at the Airport and plan base flights.
Transitioning Madurai Airport to 24-hour operations presents a compelling opportunity to enhance Passenger service, drive economic growth, and improve overall operational efficiency. By embracing this change, the Airport can position itself as the leading airport in the country, catering to the diverse needs of passengers and contributing to the region's overall development. Implementing these extended hours will not only meet the demands of a growing travel market but also support Madurai’s aspirations as a vital transportation hub in the region.
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