In a significant move to boost air connectivity, the Indian government has announced plans to build 29 greenfield airports over the next 20 years, focusing on improving air travel access in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This initiative, led by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance global connectivity, and cater to the rising demand for air travel in smaller cities.
Key Developments
- Gujarat will lead the way with nine new airports, followed by Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Thirteen other states will each get one new airport as part of this extensive development plan.
- The government’s five-year strategy also includes upgrading existing airports in smaller cities and expanding capacity in major metropolitan areas to meet increasing air traffic demands.
- These new airports will be designed to accommodate large aircraft like Boeing 737 and Airbus 320, facilitating direct international connections and positioning smaller cities as emerging growth hubs.
Economic Impact
The plan is expected to fuel economic activities, create jobs, and turn smaller cities into major development centers. Aviation experts have lauded the project, emphasizing the need for better connectivity in regions such as Manipal, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Bihar. However, they stress the importance of basing development on passenger demand forecasts rather than political considerations.
UDAN Scheme and Regional Growth
The government’s UDAN scheme, launched in 2017, has already driven a surge in air travel to under-served regions, leading to a six-fold increase in passenger traffic at some airports. The program, which aims to operationalize 1,000 domestic routes by 2027, has played a crucial role in promoting regional connectivity. As of April 2024, 540 domestic routes are operational under the scheme, with more to follow.
Expansion in Metro Cities
Along with tier-2 and tier-3 cities, metro areas like Noida and Navi Mumbai will also receive new airports to accommodate growing demand. Indian airlines carried 8 million domestic passengers in the June 2024 quarter, reflecting a 17.6% year-on-year increase, while international passenger traffic grew 10%, reaching 9.6 million.
Future Airport Needs
By 2047, estimates suggest that 14 cities, including Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, may require second or third airports to handle increased passenger flow. Smaller cities like Srinagar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Gorakhpur, and Leh are also expected to need additional airports over the next decade.
Summary of Key Highlights
- 29 greenfield airports to be built in the next 20 years.
- Gujarat to get 9 new airports; Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand to follow.
- 13 other states will each receive one new airport.
- Airports will be designed to handle large aircraft, supporting international connectivity.
- UDAN scheme continues to boost demand for air travel in smaller cities.
- Metro cities to receive new airports to accommodate rising demand.
- By 2047, 14 cities may require second or third airports.
This bold airport expansion initiative is poised to transform India’s aviation landscape, promoting regional connectivity, boosting the economy, and contributing to the nation’s growth over the next two decades.
