BHOPAL: Now boarding — Khajuraho Airport into top customer-ranking slot, without any flights.The airport in the Madhya Pradesh town — recently ranked India’s top airport in the Airports Authority of India’s latest Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) — has produced a surprising result: it has no commercial flights operating during July and Aug. The outcome has sent ripples through the aviation industry, prompting questions about the criteria of the AAI survey.Even when it had services, the scene was lacklustre: only two flights operated from the airport, connecting Delhi and Varanasi. Both have now been discontinued.The full-fledged airport, whose terminal was completed in the late 1960s and which reportedly saw its first flight in 1978, outscored larger and busier peers in the biannual passenger survey. The accolade was announced as the airport’s tarmac lies quiet through the monsoon.“Flights from here usually go to Delhi and Varanasi, but there are none since July 1,” airport director Santosh Singh told TOI.Asked why services were suspended, Singh offered a forward-looking estimate rather than a detailed explanation, saying flights to Delhi and Varanasi are expected to restart in Oct.AAI’s Customer Satisfaction Index is based on biannual surveys conducted by independent agencies to ensure objectivity. Passengers evaluate 33 core parameters — ranging from ground transport and parking to Wi-Fi and food outlets — along with additional questions on hygiene and cleanliness. Scores are combined into a composite rating out of five, officials said.“In practice, this means airports with intermittent or seasonal operations can still achieve high satisfaction if facilities, cleanliness and staff conduct meet traveller expectations,” said Rahul Gupta, an air traveller.The result prompted wry reactions from locals who noted the irony of an airport winning top honours while its runways see a seasonal lull. Others, however, welcomed the recognition.
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“We are proud,” said Khajuraho resident Mani Ram, pointing to the well-maintained terminal and courteous staff cited in passenger feedback.Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport finished third in the rankings.
