Tourist guide association office-bearer seeks direct flights to major cities, faster terminal construction

Agra: Improved air connectivity is crucial to unlocking Agra’s tourism potential and strengthening the local economy, said Deepak Daan, senior office-bearer of the Tourist Guide Association and a well-known figure in the city’s tourism sector.

Daan said Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, attracts millions of tourists every year but continues to face limitations in air connectivity. He emphasised that direct flights from major cities could encourage visitors to stay longer instead of treating Agra as a one-day destination from Delhi.

According to Daan, longer tourist stays would benefit hotels, restaurants, taxi operators, transport businesses and artisans engaged in traditional crafts such as zardozi embroidery and marble inlay work.

He called for the phased introduction of direct flights connecting Agra with major destinations, including Mumbai, Goa, Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi, Khajuraho and Kolkata.

Daan also stressed the need to expedite the proposed civil enclave and terminal development at Kheria airport. He said modern passenger facilities, strengthened night-landing infrastructure and the ability to operate flights in varying weather conditions would be important steps towards improving connectivity.

Drawing attention to the contrast between Agra’s tourism footfall and its limited flight operations, he said better connectivity could help the city attract more visitors, generate additional business and create employment opportunities for local youth.

Daan appealed to elected representatives, civic organisations and business leaders to work together to push for improved air services and airport infrastructure, saying the benefits would extend beyond tourism to the wider economic development of Agra.