In a surprising twist, Khajuraho Airport in Madhya Pradesh has been ranked India’s top airport in the latest Airports Authority of India (AAI) Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)—despite having no commercial flights operating since July 1. The airport is expected to remain without scheduled services until October, making it one of the most unusual winners in the history of the rankings.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many praising the airport’s facilities while questioning how an airport with no flights could top the list.
Why Does India’s Best Airport Have No Flights?
Khajuraho Airport previously had only two scheduled commercial routes, connecting the city with Delhi and Varanasi.
Both services were suspended from July 1, leaving the airport without any commercial passenger flights. According to airport officials, the routes are expected to resume only in October, resulting in nearly three months without regular flight operations.
How Did It Still Rank No. 1?
The ranking is based on the AAI Customer Satisfaction Index, which measures passenger experience rather than the number of flights or passengers.
The survey evaluates airports on 33 service parameters, including:
- Cleanliness
- Staff behaviour
- Security experience
- Parking facilities
- Signage
- Wi-Fi
- Food and beverage services
- Overall passenger comfort
Since the rankings focus on service quality, even smaller airports with limited traffic can score exceptionally well if passengers report a positive experience.
Social Media Reacts
The unusual achievement quickly went viral.
Many users joked that an airport without flights naturally avoids delays, overcrowding and long security queues. Others argued that the ranking highlights the difference between passenger satisfaction and operational performance, pointing out that maintaining excellent facilities is easier when passenger traffic is low.
At the same time, several people expressed concern over the lack of air connectivity to a major tourist destination like Khajuraho.
A Tourist Destination Awaiting Better Connectivity
Khajuraho is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khajuraho Group of Monuments, attracting visitors from across India and around the world.
Despite its tourism significance, the airport has struggled to maintain regular commercial services as airlines prioritise more profitable routes. While the airport offers modern infrastructure and high service standards, limited connectivity continues to remain its biggest challenge.
A Unique Milestone
Khajuraho Airport’s achievement demonstrates that excellent passenger service does not always depend on high traffic volumes.
However, the episode has also reignited discussions on whether airport rankings should consider factors such as flight connectivity, passenger traffic and operational efficiency alongside customer satisfaction.
With commercial flights expected to resume in October, aviation observers will be watching to see whether the airport can retain both its high service standards and improved connectivity.
Summary
Khajuraho Airport has been ranked India’s highest-rated airport in the latest AAI Customer Satisfaction Index despite having no commercial flights since July 1. The airport scored highly because the survey measures passenger experience across 33 service parameters rather than flight operations. Commercial services to Delhi and Varanasi are expected to resume in October, while the unusual ranking has triggered widespread debate and social media reactions.
Image Source