Govt to Develop More Airstrips, Revise Airport Rules
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Govt to Develop More Airstrips, Revise Airport Rules

The Indian government is evaluating 300 airstrips for potential development into brownfield airports to enhance air connectivity, announced Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam at the CAPA India Aviation Summit 2024. This move aims to improve connectivity, particularly to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Currently, India has 453 airstrips, with 157 operational as airports.

The government is in the final stages of ratifying the Cape Town Convention (CTC), which will facilitate aircraft repossession by lessors, mitigating their risks. This step is critical after issues arose with repossessing planes from the bankrupt airline Go First.

India's airport ecosystem development plan spans 25 years, focusing on smaller airports feeding traffic to larger hubs. The number of operational airports has doubled in the last decade, and efforts are underway to expand this further. The government is also considering civil operations at more defence airfields to meet the growing demand in air travel.

Indian carriers have made significant aircraft orders to meet rising demand. Air India Group ordered 470 planes, IndiGo ordered 500 A320neo family planes, Akasa Air ordered 150 B737 Max aircraft, and IndiGo recently ordered 30 A350-900 widebody aircraft.

Domestic and international air traffic in India surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2023-24, with international traffic reaching 69.7 million passengers and domestic traffic at 153.4 million passengers.

The government is also addressing airport regulations to ensure efficient operations and infrastructure development, aiming to meet the projected growth in air traffic and fleet expansion.

The Indian government is evaluating 300 airstrips for potential development into brownfield airports to enhance air connectivity, announced Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam at the CAPA India Aviation Summit 2024. This move aims to improve connectivity, particularly to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Currently, India has 453 airstrips, with 157 operational as airports. The government is in the final stages of ratifying the Cape Town Convention (CTC), which will facilitate aircraft repossession by lessors, mitigating their risks. This step is critical after issues arose with repossessing planes from the bankrupt airline Go First. India's airport ecosystem development plan spans 25 years, focusing on smaller airports feeding traffic to larger hubs. The number of operational airports has doubled in the last decade, and efforts are underway to expand this further. The government is also considering civil operations at more defence airfields to meet the growing demand in air travel. Indian carriers have made significant aircraft orders to meet rising demand. Air India Group ordered 470 planes, IndiGo ordered 500 A320neo family planes, Akasa Air ordered 150 B737 Max aircraft, and IndiGo recently ordered 30 A350-900 widebody aircraft. Domestic and international air traffic in India surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2023-24, with international traffic reaching 69.7 million passengers and domestic traffic at 153.4 million passengers. The government is also addressing airport regulations to ensure efficient operations and infrastructure development, aiming to meet the projected growth in air traffic and fleet expansion.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CONCOR Launches Double-stack Service Between NCR and Varnama

State-run Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has launched double-stack container train services between the National Capital Region (NCR) and Varnama near Baroda. This initiative aims to facilitate customers at Nhava Sheva near Mumbai, home to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (J N Port). On December 21, the first double-stack container train from Khatuwas and Dadri in NCR reached CONCOR’s Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Varnama, situated along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The train carried export cargo destined for J N Port, according to a statement from the state..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Less than 10% of Rs 40 Billion State-aid for Shipbuilding Utilised

A government-sanctioned financial assistance program worth Rs 40 billion, intended to support local shipbuilders over a decade starting in April 2016, has seen minimal utilisation, with only Rs 3.85 billion—less than 10 per cent of the total fund—disbursed thus far. With 15 months remaining before the scheme concludes, its uptake has been limited. The financial aid applies to shipbuilding contracts signed between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2026. According to a written response provided by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to the Rajya Sabha on December ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Civil Aviation Minister Opens New ATC Tower at Indore Airport

The Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, inaugurated the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower-cum-technical block at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. During the inauguration, the minister toured the facility, where ATC experts explained various technical aspects of tracking and coordinating flights from the newly constructed tower. In addition to the ATC tower, the airport has also introduced a zero-waste plant. The union minister confirmed that this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainability. Minister Ki..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000