Swami Vivekananda Airport (SVA) has emerged as one of central India’s important aviation hubs, recording more than 27 lakh passengers during 2025-26 while significantly expanding connectivity, infrastructure and passenger amenities over the past decade, Raipur Airport Director Yogesh Nagaich said during a media briefing ahead of Yatri Suvidha Diwas (Passenger Facilitation Day) on June 15. Highlighting the airport’s growth trajectory, Nagaich said the facility has witnessed sustained expansion since 2014 through modernisation of passenger services, enhancement of operational infrastructure and growth in airline connectivity.

 

He noted that Raipur Airport now serves as a critical gateway for Chhattisgarh’s tourism, trade, investment and regional connectivity requirements. The airport currently operates with a modern integrated terminal building, a 3,250-metre runway, 13 aircraft parking bays, CAT-II Instrument Landing System (ILS), advanced Air Traffic Control facilities and infrastructure capable of handling aircraft such as the Airbus A321. Direct flights are available from Raipur to major destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad and Indore, while the UDAN regional connectivity scheme has further strengthened air links across the region. Nagaich said passenger-centric initiatives such as Digi Yatra, free

 

Wi-Fi, improved check-in facilities, medical assistance, child-care amenities, dedicated facilities for persons with disabilities, modern lounges and a robust grievance redressal mechanism have substantially improved the travel experience. He also highlighted the airport’s growing role in supporting Chhattisgarh’s industrial, mining, energy, agriculture and service sectors. Air cargo services are facilitating faster transportation of pharmaceuticals, agricultural produce, e-commerce consignments and industrial goods, positioning the airport as an emerging logistics hub.

 

The airport also serves as a major gateway to tourist and pilgrimage destinations including Chitrakote Waterfall, Kanger Valley National Park, Sirpur, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajim, Dongargarh, Dantewada and Bhoramdeo. Nagaich said environmental sustainability measures such as rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, solid waste management, tree plantation drives and plastic-free initiatives are being implemented alongside community outreach programmes including sanitation projects, blood donation camps, educational visits and health awareness activities.