07/04/2025
India’s aviation sector is poised for significant growth, fueled by the government’s ambitious plan to double the number of airports to 300 by 2047. This infrastructure push aims to unlock numerous economic benefits, propelling regional development, creating jobs, and enhancing connectivity across the nation. Presently, India has around 140 operational airports, primarily concentrated in metropolitan and major cities. The expansion plan prioritizes establishing airports in underserved regions, which will serve as a catalyst for regional economic development. Improved connectivity will facilitate the transport of goods produced in these areas, offering local businesses access to broader markets and reducing logistics costs. Moreover, it will boost tourism, a significant revenue generator for many regions. Places rich in natural beauty or cultural heritage will become more accessible to both domestic and international tourists, creating jobs in hospitality, handicrafts, and local services.
A draft plan prepared by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) indicates that around 70 airstrips can be developed into full-fledged airports capable of handling narrow-body aircraft such as the A320 or B737, and nearly 40 airstrips can be developed for smaller aircraft. Greenfield or new airports will be planned if an airstrip cannot be developed or if there is no civilian airport within a 50 km radius. Currently, 138 airports are operational in India. The AAI’s draft National Airports Development Plan projects annual passenger traffic to grow from 376 million to 3-3.5 billion by 2047, with 10-12% potentially being international traffic.
At Mandavi in Gujarat, Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Tura in Meghalaya, and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh, existing airstrips can be converted to airports for small aircraft operations, according to a preliminary assessment. Greenfield airports could emerge in locations such as Kota in Rajasthan, Parandur in Tamil Nadu, Kottayam in Kerala, Puri in Odisha, Purandar in Maharashtra, and Car Nicobar and Minicoy in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The airport development initiative is expected to generate significant job opportunities across various sectors. The construction phase alone will create numerous temporary jobs. Once operational, airports will require a permanent workforce for operations, security, ground handling, cargo services, and retail outlets. This ripple effect will extend beyond airport perimeters, generating jobs in transportation, hospitality, and allied sectors that support a thriving aviation ecosystem.
Enhanced air connectivity will streamline the movement of goods, enabling businesses to participate more effectively in domestic and international trade. Faster cargo transportation will improve supply chain efficiency and potentially reduce costs for businesses. This improved connectivity is also likely to attract foreign investments, as companies looking to establish a presence in India will find the accessibility offered by a wider network of airports highly attractive.
While the potential benefits are substantial, challenges need to be addressed for the plan to succeed. Ensuring equitable distribution of new airports is crucial to avoid further concentrating economic activity in metropolitan areas. Additionally, robust urban planning around new airports will be essential to prevent congestion and environmental concerns.