Bhopal/Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Indore Airport’s runway, which remains unutilised for commercial flights during nighttime under the winter schedule, is being leveraged by IndiGo Airlines. The airline is using the runway for its pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and trial flying.

The suspension of night flights, effective from the end of October, has left the runway available for non-operational use. The runway has been shut for a maintenance project. Tenders for this work have already been issued. However, the repair work is yet to begin.

According to information, IndiGo Airlines parks its planes at the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore. The airline has incorporated "touch and go" pilot training exercises, routine maintenance, and trial flights into its operations. The activities being carried out are a part of standard airline procedure. These trainings ensure maximum operational efficiency and safety.

The residents, on the other hand, have expressed serious concerns about the circling flights. Before shutting nighttime operations, a final flight from Pune used to arrive at 2 AM, which was followed by a quiet interval. The operations used to continue from 6 AM in the morning. The trials and 'touch and go' operations have led to multiple sound complaints from local residents.