Amravati, Maharashtra – April 16, 2025 – A new era of connectivity has begun for the Vidarbha region as the Amravati Airport, officially named Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Airport, has commenced commercial operations. The long-awaited airport welcomed its first flight from Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in regional air travel. The inaugural flight, operated by Alliance Air, took off at 11:30 AM and completed the journey in under two hours, arriving at 1:15 PM.
Located in Belora, approximately 15 km south of Amravati city, the airport has been developed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) under the UDAN scheme, which aims to enhance air travel accessibility across India. The airport features a modern terminal and a runway measuring 1,850 meters, designed to accommodate regional flights.
During the inauguration ceremony, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu expressed optimism about the airport's potential. “This airport will become the nucleus of Vidarbha’s development,” he stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of improved air connectivity for the region.
Alliance Air will operate flights between Amravati and Mumbai three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flight schedule includes departures from Mumbai at 2:30 PM, arriving in Amravati at 4:20 PM, and return flights departing Amravati at 4:50 PM, reaching Mumbai by 6:35 PM. With fares starting at Rs 2,100, the service is expected to boost business travel, tourism, and administrative mobility.
In addition to the airport, plans are underway for establishing India’s largest pilot training academy adjacent to the airport premises. The academy, operated by Air India, will feature 34 aircraft and is anticipated to produce around 180 pilots annually. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance aviation training in the region and create numerous job opportunities.
Furthermore, a PM MITRA Mega Textile Park is being planned near the airport, set to span 1,000 acres. This project aims to attract substantial global investments, generate thousands of local jobs, and support India's textile export ambitions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the economic and strategic importance of these developments, stating, “We envision Amravati not just as a city with an airport, but as a hub for education, industry, and global connection.”
The airport's opening has been met with enthusiasm from local residents and business leaders, who see it as a catalyst for economic growth. Social media platforms are buzzing with videos and images of the first flight’s takeoff and landing, showcasing the community's pride in this development. A traditional water cannon salute greeted the inaugural flight, symbolizing the significance of this event.
Fadnavis, who was on board the first flight, described the day as historic for Amravati, stating, “Regional connectivity becomes reality — unlocking new horizons of growth, opportunity, and transformation!” His remarks reflect the broader vision of enhancing regional infrastructure and connectivity across Maharashtra.
The Amravati Airport's commissioning aligns with the Central Government's ongoing efforts to connect tier-2 and tier-3 cities through air travel, making it more affordable and efficient for citizens. The airport is expected to ease travel for medical patients, students, and professionals while supporting defense logistics, given its proximity to Nagpur.
As the airport begins operations, it is anticipated to not only improve local connectivity but also elevate Amravati's status on the global map. The addition of a pilot training school and the textile park will further cement the region's importance in India's economic landscape.
With the successful launch of Amravati Airport, Maharashtra’s aviation infrastructure has taken a significant leap forward. The coming months will be crucial in determining the airport's long-term success, but the initial response indicates a positive trajectory for Vidarbha's connectivity and prosperity. The Hindustan Herald will continue to monitor developments surrounding the airport and its potential impact on the region.
