Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (IDR)

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, identified by the IATA code IDR and ICAO code VAID, is the premier aviation gateway serving Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, India. Consistently ranked as the busiest airport in central India, the facility serves as a critical link for the region's robust pharmaceutical, textile, and information technology sectors. Named in honor of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the airport acts as a vital transport hub for both the local business community and travelers visiting the historic sites of the Malwa plateau. The airport features a modern, integrated passenger terminal that was inaugurated in 2012, designed to manage both domestic and international traffic through a high-efficiency layout. Spanning a significant area, the terminal is equipped with advanced infrastructure including 16 check-in counters, modern baggage handling systems, and specialized immigration zones for international operations. Within the terminal, travelers have access to a wide array of amenities including a diverse food court serving regional Malwi specialties, numerous retail outlets, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The facility also provides essential traveler services such as currency exchange, medical assistance, and dedicated baby care rooms. Flight operations at Indore are robust, with major Indian carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express providing frequent scheduled connections to over 20 domestic destinations and international links to the Middle East, specifically Sharjah. These flights are fundamental for the regional economy, connecting Indore's prominent Pithampur industrial area with the national and global markets. Ground transportation is well-integrated, with the airport located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center and served by authorized taxi fleets and dedicated shuttle services. The airport remains a cornerstone of the state's economic infrastructure, with ongoing plans to further expand its terminal and cargo capabilities to meet the growing demands of central India's primary commercial center.