Sky High Ambitions: India to Launch 50 Airport Projects

The Central government plans to launch 50 airport development projects over the next five years, aiming to significantly upgrade India’s aviation infrastructure. These projects will include new greenfield airports as well as expansions and upgrades to existing facilities, forming part of a broader strategy to boost connectivity, support airlines, and expand training capacities across the aviation sector.

Speaking at the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly in New Delhi, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam emphasized the government’s integrated approach. “We are taking a holistic view of aviation development—supporting airlines and enhancing flying training organizations,” he said. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) will play a key role, aligning with the government’s push for collaborative infrastructure models.

India currently has 159 operational airports, a sharp increase from just 74 in 2014. The upcoming projects are expected to accelerate this growth, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a major global aviation hub. Land for these developments is generally provided by state governments, helping ensure faster project execution.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.