New Delhi: The Khajuraho Airport in Madhya Pradesh has been named the country’s top airport in the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) latest Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), despite having zero commercial flights operating through July and August.The airport’s schedule, even when it was operational, was empty with only two flights connecting it to Delhi and Varanasi, both of which have since been discontinued. The decision to designate the first rank to the Khajuraho Airport has thus prompted questions about the AAI’s judging criteria.“Flights from here usually go to Delhi and Varanasi, but there are none since July 1,” airport director Santosh Singh told Times of India. He added that services are expected to resume in October but did not offer a detailed explanation for the suspension.The airport, whose terminal was completed in the late 1960s, reportedly noted its first flight in 1978. It has managed, as per the AAI’s rankings, to somehow outscore much larger and busier airports in the country even with its much poorer record.The AAI’s CSI is based on biannual surveys conducted by independent agencies. Passengers rate airports on 33 core parameters, including ground transport, parking, Wi-Fi and food outlets, alongside additional questions on hygiene and cleanliness. Scores are combined into a composite rating out of five.Rahul Gupta, an air traveller, said, “In practice, this means airports with intermittent or seasonal operations can still achieve high satisfaction if facilities, cleanliness and staff conduct meet traveller expectations.”The announcement has drawn varied reactions online, with people pointing out the irony of an airport with zero functional flights getting the nation’s top ranking for customer service. Meanwhile, local residents have expressed their happiness and pride over the recognition bestowed upon the airport.