India plans to double its number of operational airports to 300 by 2047, driven by an eightfold increase in passenger traffic. This ambitious expansion involves developing existing airstrips and constructing new airports across the country.
Factors Driving this Expansion
Development of Existing Airstrips
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to develop 70 airstrips into airports capable of handling narrow-body aircraft like A320 or B737.
- Existing airstrips at Mandavi (Gujarat), Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Tura (Meghalaya), and Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) can be upgraded for small aircraft. Nearly 40 airstrips are slated for development to accommodate smaller aircraft.
- New airports will be built if existing airstrips cannot be developed or if there is no civilian airport within 50 km.
- New greenfield airports may be constructed in Kota (Rajasthan), Parandur (Tamil Nadu), Kottayam (Kerala), Puri (Odisha), Purandar (Maharashtra), Car Nicobar, and Minicoy (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
- Projected Passenger Traffic Growth: Passenger traffic is expected to increase eightfold, from 376 million to 3-3.5 billion annually by 2047. International traffic may constitute 10-12% of this growth.
- The plan is part of Vision 2047, aiming to accommodate this massive increase in air travel demand.
UDAN Scheme Implementation
- Improving connectivity to tier-II and -III cities through schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).
- In 2014, there were 74 operational airports, which has now increased to 148. Under the UDAN scheme, 68 underserved/unserved destinations, including 58 airports, 8 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes, have been connected. It has provided air connectivity to over 29 states/union territories.
- India’s aviation infrastructure is the overcrowding of airports. With the surge in air travel demand, major airports across the country are operating beyond their designed capacities.
Rising Income Levels
- India’s economy is projected to grow substantially by 2047, with per capita income expected to reach USD 18,000-USD 20,000. This economic growth is a crucial factor driving aviation expansion.
- Higher disposable incomes make air travel more affordable for a larger segment of the population.
- A growing middle class is likely to choose air travel over other modes of transportation for both business and leisure.
- Increased business activities and tourism resulting from economic growth will further boost demand for air travel.
Anticipated Growth in Air Cargo
- While passenger traffic is a primary focus, the expansion also considers the growing air cargo sector.
- E-commerce growth is driving demand for efficient air freight services.
- India aims to become a major player in the global air cargo market.
- New and expanded airports will have enhanced cargo-handling capabilities.
- Development of Major International Hubs: India aims to position its major airports as international hubs, competing with established hubs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- This aspiration is driving the expansion and modernization of existing airports, as well as the development of new ones to attract more international airlines and passengers, increase transit traffic, and boost tourism and business travel to India.
- Under-Penetration of Air Travel: India’s aviation market is one of the largest in the world, but air travel penetration is still low compared to developed countries.
Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- The AAI is a statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. It was formed in 1995, by merging the National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.
- It also provides Air Traffic Management Services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas.
- The functions of AAI include airport development, airspace control, passenger and cargo terminal management, and provision of communication and navigation aids.
- AAI provides air navigation services over 2.8 million square nautical miles of air space.