Nagpur Airport: A Struggling Aviation Hub

thenewsdirt
Feb 1
4 min read

Airports across India have rapidly evolved, becoming key facilitators of economic growth and global connectivity.

Major cities have seen their airports expand, modernise, and integrate cutting-edge infrastructure.

In contrast, Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport presents a different trajectory, facing hurdles that have slowed its progress.

Once expected to emerge as a major logistics and passenger hub, its current position raises concerns about lost opportunities and stagnation in an otherwise booming sector.

Declining Passenger Numbers

Nagpur’s airport has recorded a steady decline in passenger traffic, a worrying trend when compared to other Indian airports that have witnessed growth.

Between April and June 2024, the airport saw a 12% drop in passengers, equating to nearly 93,000 fewer travellers than the same period the previous year. While several airports in tier-2 cities have reported minor fluctuations, the drop at Nagpur is more pronounced.

A closer look at the domestic passenger numbers reveals a 13.7% reduction in the first quarter of 2024.

This downward movement stands in contrast to cities like Pune and Indore, where air traffic has rebounded strongly post-pandemic.

With fewer passengers passing through its terminals, the airport risks losing its relevance as a key transit point in central India.

Infrastructure and Operational Setbacks

Nagpur's Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport has faced significant infrastructure and operational challenges impeding its development.

A major issue is the delay in the airport's expansion, which has been stalled for the past 4-5 years due to ongoing litigation. This delay has hindered the region's growth, depriving Nagpur of essential modern airport facilities.

The runway recarpeting project has also experienced significant delays. Originally scheduled for completion much earlier, the project has faced multiple postponements, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow progress and has warned that authorities responsible for the delays could face suspension if the work is not completed promptly.

These infrastructure setbacks have had a direct impact on the airport's operations. The delays in runway maintenance have led to restrictions on flight timings, causing airlines to reschedule flights and increase ticket prices, thereby affecting passengers' travel plans.

Limited Airline Presence and High Airfares

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur faces significant challenges due to its limited airline presence and elevated airfares.

Currently, the airport accommodates four domestic airlines and two international carriers, connecting Nagpur to destinations such as Sharjah, Doha, and 14 domestic cities.

IndiGo dominates the domestic sector, operating flights to cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nashik, and Pune.

Air India offers services to Delhi and Mumbai, while Star Air connects Nagpur to Belgaum, Bengaluru, Kishangarh, Lucknow, Nanded, and Pune.

This limited airline diversity has led to higher ticket prices. For instance, a review of fares in August 2024 revealed that flights from Nagpur to destinations like Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Kolkata were more expensive compared to similar routes from other airports.

The combination of a concentrated airline market and elevated fares has contributed to a decline in passenger numbers.

Cargo and Economic Impact

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur has faced notable challenges in its cargo operations, impacting the region's economic landscape.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the airport handled 7,994 tonnes of cargo, marking a 13% decrease from the previous year.

This decline is significant, especially considering the airport's strategic location in central India. The Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project was envisioned to transform the airport into a major cargo hub, leveraging its central position to facilitate efficient distribution.

However, the anticipated growth has not materialized. In November 2024, the airport's international cargo traffic was recorded at 8.5 tonnes, a modest increase from 2.4 tonnes in October 2024, but still far below expectations.

Comparatively, other Indian airports have reported higher cargo volumes. For instance, in November 2024, India's total cargo traffic across all airports was 291,861.8 tonnes.

The underperformance in cargo handling has economic implications for Nagpur. Efficient cargo operations are vital for businesses that rely on the timely delivery of goods.

The decline in cargo throughput may deter companies from utilizing Nagpur as a logistics hub, potentially affecting local industries and employment opportunities.

Illustration an Empty Nagpur Airport — Illustration of an Empty Nagpur Airport

Nagpur Airport stands at a crucial point, shaped by the events that have unfolded around it. The numbers tell a story of shifting patterns, where passenger traffic has dipped, operations have been affected, and cargo volumes have struggled to keep pace with expectations.

Flight connectivity remains restricted, fares remain higher than many comparable routes, and the anticipated transformation under major development projects has yet to be fully realised.

The reality is reflected in everyday experiences, passengers booking tickets find fewer choices, businesses seeking efficient cargo transport encounter limitations, and airlines assessing new routes hesitate due to operational constraints.

These factors influence decisions that shape the airport’s standing, determining whether it can attract new carriers, expand services, or reclaim its place as a strong contender in India’s aviation sector.

Each number recorded in passenger and cargo movement, each delay in expansion plans, and each shift in airline operations leaves an imprint on Nagpur’s connectivity.

The figures captured over time serve as indicators of how the airport has fared amid the rapid advancements seen across the country. Its position today reflects the combined impact of these events, placing it within a broader aviation network where growth has been unevenly distributed.