India to reach 300 airports by 2047 amid rising passenger demand

15 Jul 2024 CW Team

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)

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..