+
India to reach 300 airports by 2047 amid rising passenger demand
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

India to reach 300 airports by 2047 amid rising passenger demand

India aims to more than double its number of airports to 300 by 2047, driven by an expected eightfold surge in passenger traffic, according to a draft plan by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This ambitious expansion will involve upgrading existing airstrips into fully operational airports and constructing new ones from the ground up.

Expansion plans: - Development of Airstrips: Approximately 70 airstrips are slated for development into airports capable of accommodating narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Additionally, around 40 airstrips may be upgraded to serve smaller aircraft. - New Greenfield Airports: In cases where an airstrip cannot be developed or where no civilian airport exists within a 50-kilometer radius, new greenfield airports will be considered.

Infrastructure: - Current Operational Airports: India currently has 138 operational airports. - Passenger Growth Projections: The draft National Airports Development Plan by the AAI expects annual passenger numbers to surge significantly, reaching between 3 billion and 3.5 billion by 2047, up from the current 376 million. International traffic is projected to constitute around 10-12% of this total. ?This is likely to include a mix of greenfield airports and also development of existing civil enclaves into full-fledged operational airports,? said an official. ?These estimates are based on various assumptions and dynamic factors. This is a preliminary assessment and the numbers can change later if the scenario changes due to any reason,? stated another official.

Proposed upgrades: The draft suggests transforming airstrips in locations such as Mandvi (Gujarat), Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Tura (Meghalaya), and Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) into airports suitable for small aircraft operations. Additionally, new greenfield airports are proposed for Kota (Rajasthan), Parandur (Tamil Nadu), Kottayam (Kerala), Puri (Odisha), Purandar (Maharashtra), and in the Car Nicobar and Minicoy islands in the Andaman and Nicobar.

Global comparison: The AAI's initial evaluation examined airport connectivity in the US and China, noting that both countries have larger air travel markets. In 2019, China averaged 0.47 trips per person annually with a per capita income of $10,144, while the US reported 1.2-1.3 trips per person annually with a GDP per capita of around $20,000. By 2047, with an estimated per capita income of $18,000-20,000, India is projected to achieve an average of one trip per person annually, potentially accommodating over 3 billion passengers.

This extensive development plan highlights India's commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure to meet the rising demand and ensure robust connectivity across the nation. (Source: BS)

India aims to more than double its number of airports to 300 by 2047, driven by an expected eightfold surge in passenger traffic, according to a draft plan by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This ambitious expansion will involve upgrading existing airstrips into fully operational airports and constructing new ones from the ground up. Expansion plans: - Development of Airstrips: Approximately 70 airstrips are slated for development into airports capable of accommodating narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Additionally, around 40 airstrips may be upgraded to serve smaller aircraft. - New Greenfield Airports: In cases where an airstrip cannot be developed or where no civilian airport exists within a 50-kilometer radius, new greenfield airports will be considered. Infrastructure: - Current Operational Airports: India currently has 138 operational airports. - Passenger Growth Projections: The draft National Airports Development Plan by the AAI expects annual passenger numbers to surge significantly, reaching between 3 billion and 3.5 billion by 2047, up from the current 376 million. International traffic is projected to constitute around 10-12% of this total. ?This is likely to include a mix of greenfield airports and also development of existing civil enclaves into full-fledged operational airports,? said an official. ?These estimates are based on various assumptions and dynamic factors. This is a preliminary assessment and the numbers can change later if the scenario changes due to any reason,? stated another official. Proposed upgrades: The draft suggests transforming airstrips in locations such as Mandvi (Gujarat), Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Tura (Meghalaya), and Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) into airports suitable for small aircraft operations. Additionally, new greenfield airports are proposed for Kota (Rajasthan), Parandur (Tamil Nadu), Kottayam (Kerala), Puri (Odisha), Purandar (Maharashtra), and in the Car Nicobar and Minicoy islands in the Andaman and Nicobar. Global comparison: The AAI's initial evaluation examined airport connectivity in the US and China, noting that both countries have larger air travel markets. In 2019, China averaged 0.47 trips per person annually with a per capita income of $10,144, while the US reported 1.2-1.3 trips per person annually with a GDP per capita of around $20,000. By 2047, with an estimated per capita income of $18,000-20,000, India is projected to achieve an average of one trip per person annually, potentially accommodating over 3 billion passengers. This extensive development plan highlights India's commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure to meet the rising demand and ensure robust connectivity across the nation. (Source: BS)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

86 Projects Worth Rs 3.14 Billion Under Construction Post IKGS

A total of 86 projects, with combined investments of Rs 3.14 billion, which received Expressions of Interest (EOIs) at the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) held in Kochi last February, have commenced construction, said P Rajeeve, Kerala’s Minister for Industries, Law and Coir.“The IKGS attracted 424 investment projects worth Rs 17.77 billion. Of these, over 20 per cent have already begun construction,” the minister noted. Upon completion, these 86 projects are expected to generate approximately 40,439 jobs. While 268 projects have secured land, 156 are still awaiting land allotment.Raj..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Shakti Pumps Raises Rs 2.92 Bn via QIP for Solar Expansion

Shakti Pumps (India) has successfully concluded its Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP), raising Rs 2.92 billion from prominent institutional investors. The issue received strong interest from both existing and new investors, reflecting their confidence in the company’s long-term growth trajectory.The funds raised will be deployed to establish a greenfield high-efficiency solar DCR cell and solar PV module manufacturing facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The project, to be undertaken through its subsidiary Shakti Energy Solutions, will have a production capacity of 2.20 GW. This move ..

Next Story
Technology

Orient Technologies Unveils New Digital Identity on 28th Foundation Day

Orient Technologies, a leading provider of digital transformation and IT infrastructure services, has launched its refreshed digital identity to mark its 28th Foundation Day. The new identity reflects the company’s evolution from a trusted systems integrator to a strategic partner in digital transformation, while reaffirming its commitment to customer-centric innovation.Central to the brand refresh is the upgraded website, designed for intuitive navigation and aligned with client expectations. Services are now streamlined under two clear verticals—IT Infrastructure Solutions and Applicatio..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?