Nagpur: Passenger movement at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is once again gaining momentum, underlining Nagpur’s growing importance as an economic, political and logistical centre in central India. After witnessing a slowdown last year, the airport has recorded a steady rise in footfall through 2025, signalling a clear recovery in air travel demand.
Between January and November 2025, as many as 26.85 lakh domestic and international passengers used the Nagpur airport, registering an increase of 1.73 lakh travellers compared to the 25.12 lakh passengers recorded during the corresponding period in 2024. The uptick follows a temporary decline in the previous year, when passenger traffic dropped by nearly 1.35 lakh despite the airport handling 26.47 lakh travellers in 2023.
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Airport officials say the current figures reflect a return of confidence among flyers. On an average day, more than 9,000 passengers now pass through the terminal, supported by nearly 60 aircraft movements. This resurgence is being driven by a combination of factors, including increased business travel, a revival in tourism, and frequent political and administrative movements linked to Nagpur’s status as Maharashtra’s second capital.
Nagpur’s strategic central location continues to work in its favour, positioning the city as a natural transit and destination hub for both corporate and governmental activity. However, officials and aviation experts caution that infrastructure constraints could limit the pace of future growth. Delays in planned airport expansion and the lack of direct connectivity on several high-demand routes remain key challenges.
Experts believe that the introduction of more point-to-point flights, especially to emerging commercial and industrial centres, could significantly boost passenger numbers. Improved connectivity, they argue, would not only benefit travellers but also strengthen Nagpur’s appeal as an investment and convention destination.
At present, the airport offers direct flights to major metros and regional centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Indore, Goa and Kishangarh. International connectivity is maintained through regular services to Sharjah and Doha. Among domestic routes, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru account for the highest frequency of flights, reflecting strong and consistent demand.
Month-wise data for 2025 indicates periodic fluctuations in passenger traffic, influenced by seasonal travel patterns and operational factors. However, November emerged as a standout month, with more than 2.8 lakh passengers recorded, reinforcing optimism that Nagpur airport is entering a phase of sustained growth.
With air travel demand on the rise and the city’s economic footprint expanding, stakeholders believe timely infrastructure upgrades and network expansion will be crucial in ensuring that Nagpur’s aviation growth keeps pace with its broader development ambitions.
