The Khajuraho Airport in Madhya Pradesh was recently ranked as the country’s top airport in the latest Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) of the Airports Authority of India, even though it currently has no commerical flights operating.
According to The Times of India, the report has stirred debate within the aviation sector, prompting questions about the criteria of the AAI survey. It states that the airport currently has no commercial flights operating during July and August.
Further, it highlights that prior to the suspension the airport used to handle only two flights, connecting Delhi and Varanasi. Both the routes have been discontinued now.
The airport’s terminal building was reportedly completed in the late 1960s, while its maiden flight took off in 1978.
“Flights from here usually go to Delhi and Varanasi, but there are none since July 1,” TOI quoted airport director Santosh Singh as saying.
The official added that flights to Delhi and Varanasi are expected to restart in October.
Further, it stated that the CSI is compiled from surveys conducted twice a year by independent agencies to ensure the process remains objective. Passengers rate airports on 33 core parameters that cover almost everything from ground transport and parking facilities to Wi-Fi connectivity and food outlets, as well as separate questions on hygiene and cleanliness.
Officials said that these responses are later combined into a composite score out of five.