Nashik Airport set for major upgrade after aviation approvals

The expansion of Nashik Airport has moved into a faster execution phase after receiving approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for one of Maharashtra’s major aviation infrastructure projects.

According to a report by The Times of India, the upgrade is being accelerated ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, when the region is expected to witness a sharp rise in passenger traffic and pilgrimage-related travel demand.

The airport, operated by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is located at Janori, around 20 kilometres from Nashik city.

Expansion project targets threefold capacity increase

The Rs 572 crore project was sanctioned by the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Development Authority and is being executed by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation.

The planned expansion is designed to increase passenger handling capacity from around 300 passengers per hour to nearly 1,000 passengers per hour.

According to the report, the existing airport infrastructure is considered insufficient to handle the expected traffic surge during the Kumbh Mela.

The project includes several major infrastructure additions:

• Construction of a new 17,800 square metre integrated terminal
• Development of a 1.15 lakh square metre aircraft apron
• Creation of 25,000 square metres of vehicle parking space
• Installation of aerobridges and upgraded security systems

Officials believe the expansion will substantially improve operational efficiency, aircraft handling capability and passenger flow management.

Authorities stress operational safety during construction

The approvals from DGCA and BCAS are expected to help fast-track construction activity while maintaining operational continuity at the airport.

According to The Times of India, airport authorities have been instructed to strictly follow standard operating procedures during the construction phase.

They have also been directed to maintain close coordination with air traffic services and submit daily progress updates to ensure flight safety is not affected while infrastructure work continues.

The airport currently operates flights connecting Nashik with cities including New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, and is already equipped to support night landing operations.

Religious tourism and regional growth drive infrastructure push

The expansion reflects growing efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure in tier-2 cities as regional travel demand rises across India.

Industry representatives told The Times of India that the airport upgrade would improve connectivity, support tourism and create economic opportunities for the Nashik region.

Manish Rawal, vice-chairman of the Nashik Industries and Manufacturers’ Association, said the project would help facilitate smoother travel for pilgrims while also generating employment and strengthening Nashik’s position as a regional economic hub.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is expected to draw millions of devotees and visitors, placing significant pressure on transport and civic infrastructure across the district.

Regional aviation infrastructure gains momentum

The Nashik airport expansion is part of a broader trend of aviation infrastructure development across India, particularly in cities expected to witness rapid passenger growth due to tourism, industrial activity and regional connectivity programmes.

As domestic air travel continues to rise, airports outside major metropolitan centres are increasingly being modernised to handle larger passenger volumes and improve operational standards.

With regulatory approvals now secured, work on Nashik Airport’s expansion is expected to accelerate in the run-up to the 2027 religious gathering, positioning the airport as a more capable regional aviation gateway.