Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Monday virtually flagged off the first-ever direct flight from Rewa to New Delhi, marking a major milestone in improving air connectivity for the Vindhya region.

From Bhopal, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 72-seater aircraft at 10.30 a.m. via video conferencing, officially launching daily air services between Rewa and the national capital under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

“We will soon start helicopter services from Rewa. The new air link will not only benefit the industrial and mining sectors of Singrauli but also promote tourism in Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, and Panna national parks,” Yadav said during the launch.

Hundreds of residents, officials, and business leaders gathered at the upgraded Rewa airstrip to witness the inaugural flight take off. The new service reduces travel time from over 15 hours by road or rail to less than two hours by air.

Passengers on the maiden journey included students, traders, and government officials, many of whom expressed joy over the long-awaited air link.

District officials said the service will significantly boost the region’s connectivity and economy. “Medical patients can now reach Delhi’s hospitals the same day, while students and tourists will benefit from faster and more convenient travel options,” an official said.

The Rewa airport, expanded with 258 acres of newly acquired land in addition to the existing 65 acres, is being developed into a full-fledged terminal. Once complete, it will accommodate additional routes to Delhi, Indore, Bhopal, and other cities.

A direct Rewa–Indore flight using the same aircraft is expected to commence in the coming weeks.

Chief Minister Yadav called the initiative a step toward building a self-reliant and well-connected Madhya Pradesh, assuring continued government support for affordable regional air travel. Under the UDAN scheme, one-way fares to Delhi will be around ₹2,999, making the service accessible to common citizens.

With the inaugural flight taking off successfully, Rewa has officially joined India’s growing network of regional airports, fulfilling a decades-old aspiration for faster and more direct connectivity to the national capital.