India is set to embark on an ambitious journey to expand its airport infrastructure, aiming to increase the number of airports from the current 138 to 300 by the year 2047. This initiative, outlined in a draft plan by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), is driven by expectations of an eightfold surge in passenger traffic over the coming decades.
According to the draft plan reported by Mint, the expansion strategy includes upgrading existing airstrips to full-fledged operational airports and constructing new greenfield airports where necessary. Approximately 70 airstrips are earmarked for development into airports capable of accommodating narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. An additional 40 airstrips may be upgraded to cater to smaller aircraft.
In cases where airstrips cannot be feasibly developed or no civilian airport exists within a 50-kilometer radius, the plan proposes the construction of entirely new airports from scratch.
The draft National Airports Development Plan by the AAI forecasts a significant rise in annual passenger numbers, projecting figures to soar to between 3 billion and 3.5 billion by 2047, up from the current 376 million. Domestic air travel is expected to drive this surge, with domestic passenger figures being counted twice (both arrivals and departures), while international passengers are counted once.
“The plan envisions a mix of greenfield airports and the transformation of existing civil enclaves into fully operational airports,” stated an official quoted in the report. International air traffic is anticipated to constitute approximately 10-12 percent of the total passenger volume.
This expansion initiative underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure to meet growing demands, bolster economic connectivity, and facilitate smoother travel experiences for millions of passengers expected in the future.
As the draft plan moves forward, it is expected to undergo further refinement and approval processes, with stakeholders and the public awaiting developments that will shape the future of aviation in India.
