At Dabok Airport, the number of passengers has consistently exceeded 100,000 for 17 straight months. According to airport authorities, in January of this year, a total of 146,567 passengers traveled by air across 1358 flights. Comparatively, in December of the previous year, this figure stood at 150,124 passengers.

This sustained increase in passenger traffic underscores the airport's growing significance as a transportation hub. The consistent footfall demonstrates a rising demand for air travel services in the region, reflecting positively on the airport's infrastructure and operational efficiency.

Efforts to enhance airport capacity, streamline processes, and expand connectivity are crucial to effectively manage the surge in passenger numbers. Additionally, initiatives to improve passenger experience and optimize resources will contribute to the airport's continued success amidst escalating demand for air travel.

The rise in December's passenger numbers can be credited to both the New Year celebrations and the Shilpgram Festival. These events draw a significant crowd to Udaipur each year. In December 2023 alone, there were a total of 1430 flights catering to this increased demand. 

There is currently a growing demand for flights to Ayodhya, as train and bus services have already commenced. People are expressing the need for air transportation to the city.

Since October 2022, there has been a consistent surge in air travel, with the number of air travelers surpassing one lakh. This sustained increase indicates a growing interest in air travel and reflects positively on Udaipur's appeal as a destination for both leisure and cultural experiences.

Aviation expert Ashok Joshi explains that the airport in Udaipur has seen a sharp rise in passenger numbers, primarily due to an influx of domestic tourists and the hosting of royal weddings and events. Additionally, the branding associated with the G-20 summit has played a significant role. Furthermore, the enhancement of air connectivity has brought about a notable transformation in the region.

If direct flights are introduced for Pune and Aurangabad, and flights between Bhopal and Ahmedabad operate daily instead of just three days a week, the total number of air travelers could potentially increase to between 175,000 and 200,000 per week. 

Currently, Udaipur Airport is operating 22 flights to 10 cities as part of its winter schedule, which will continue until March 30, 2024. These flights connect Udaipur to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Surat. Additionally, preparations for the summer schedule are underway for the upcoming days.

Source: Dainik Bhaskar