Airports Authority of India Customer Satisfaction Rankings
Source:etvbharat ↗
Why It Matters
This ranking is highly relevant for MPPSC Prelims, where questions on Madhya Pradesh's infrastructure (such as identifying domestic vs. international airports in the state) and world-heritage tourism spots (like Khajuraho's Chandela-dynasty temples) are repeatedly asked.
Summary
Khajuraho Airport has secured the first position and Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport has clinched the third position nationally in the Airports Authority of India's (AAI) 2026 National Customer Satisfaction Index ranking. This major infrastructure achievement highlights Madhya Pradesh's progress in tourism-oriented infrastructure, connectivity, and superior terminal facilities.
Key Points
- Khajuraho Airport in Madhya Pradesh secured the 1st position in India in the 2026 National Customer Satisfaction Index (Customer Satisfaction Survey Ranking) of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, secured the 3rd position nationally in the same 2026 ranking.
- The ranking evaluates domestic and major airports on several key parameters including check-in procedures, terminal cleanliness, security checks, staff behaviour, catering, and overall passenger experience.
- Both Khajuraho and Bhopal reaching top ranks represents a major milestone for infrastructure, service quality, and aviation facilities in Madhya Pradesh.
- This achievement is expected to significantly boost tourism in Khajuraho (located in the Chhatarpur district), which is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage temple group.
Important Terms
Airports Authority of India (AAI)
A statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure and air traffic services across India.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Infrastructure: Airports) and Paper II (Statutory Bodies); tested for its mandate, operations, and civil aviation development schemes.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
The nodal central ministry of India responsible for formulating national policies, programs, and safety regulations for the development and oversight of the civil aviation sector.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Union Government Structure) and GS Paper III (Infrastructure); tested for policy formulation and governance of aviation regulators.
National Customer Satisfaction Index
A national benchmarking survey commissioned by the Airports Authority of India to assess passenger feedback and evaluate service-quality parameters at Indian airports.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Infrastructure/Service Sector); useful for questions on infrastructure management, public service benchmarking, and tourism-promoting facilities.
UDAN Scheme
A flagship regional connectivity scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) of India aimed at making flying affordable and upgrading unserved and underserved regional airports.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Infrastructure, Regional Growth); highly relevant for questions on inclusive development, air connectivity, and infrastructure financing models.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh featuring Hindu and Jain temples built by the Chandela dynasty, renowned for Nagara-style architecture and intricate sculptures.
UPSC context
GS Paper I (Art and Culture); frequently tested for temple architecture, style elements (Nagara), associated dynasties, and historic conservation.
Prelims Trap
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the sole regulatory body responsible for civil aviation safety, security, and pilot licensing in India.
AAI is a statutory body managing infrastructure. Regulatory and safety oversight is handled by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and security by BCAS.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the key architectural features of the Khajuraho temples?
- Nagara Style: Constructed on high plinths (jagati) with no boundary walls, belonging to the central Indian Nagara style.
- Internal Layout: Consists of an entrance porch, mandapa, maha-mandapa, and sanctum, often following a panchayatana plan.
- Chandela Patronage: Built between 950-1050 AD by Chandela rulers, featuring both Hindu and Jain temples.
What is the statutory role of the Airports Authority of India?
- Statutory Origin: Created via the AAI Act, 1994, merging the International Airports Authority and National Airports Authority.
- Infrastructure Management: Manages civil aviation infrastructure, including passenger terminals, cargo terminals, and air navigation services.
- Airspace Control: Provides air traffic management services over the entire Indian airspace and designated maritime zones.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Connectivity-led heritage tourism
Linking UNESCO sites like Khajuraho to regional aviation networks under UDAN directly bridges cultural conservation with local economic development.
Public vs. PPP airport performance
High customer satisfaction at AAI-run airports challenges the assumption that only private joint-venture models can deliver superior service quality.
Chandela temple architecture features (Nagara style, jagati) likely to be integrated with regional connectivity (UDAN) in 2026.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2021MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following Airports is/are not International Airport ? 1. Bhopal 2. Indore 3. Khajuraho 4. Gwalior Select the correct answer using codes given below : Codes :
- 2025MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Where is the Matangeshwar temple located in Madhya Pradesh?
- 2013MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Khajuraho temples are located in _________ district.
- 2014MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
The temples of Khajuraho were built by the rulers of which of the following dynasties?
