The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced plans to develop Guna and Shivpuri airports as part of the UDAN scheme, aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and making air travel more accessible to residents in the area.
Guna Airport, situated in Madhya Pradesh, has been earmarked for development under UDAN 5.2. A budget of ₹45 crore has been allocated for the project, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) committing to providing Communications, Navigation Surveillance (CNS), Air Traffic Management (ATM), and Aeronautical Information Services (AIS).
Additionally, AAI will take on the role of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services provider for Guna Airport.
Shivpuri Airport in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district has also been identified under the scheme. With a focus on enhancing regional connectivity, the airport will accommodate nine-seater aircraft, facilitating bids from Shivpuri to Bhopal by the new startup airline, Spirit Air.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has allocated another ₹45 crore for the development and AAI will provide CNS/ATM and AIS facilities and services, in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. AAI will also serve as the O&M services provider for Shivpuri Airport.
This development is poised to directly benefit residents of Shivpuri and Bhopal, as well as neighbouring areas, by establishing direct air connectivity between the two cities. Beyond easing passenger movement, the initiative is expected to catalyse trade, commerce, and tourism, thereby bolstering economic activity in the region.
