Building 50 New Airports in India for a Connected Future
India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by a growing middle class, robust economic expansion, and ambitious government vision. The surging demand for air travel necessitates significantly expanded and modernized airport infrastructure to manage current traffic and position India as a global aviation powerhouse.
The nation plans to develop an additional 50 airport projects over the next five years, aiming to redefine air travel, enhance regional connectivity, and solidify India’s position in the global aviation market for a more connected future.
The Blueprint for 50 New Airports in India: A Five-Year Vision
The initiative to build 50 new airports is a central pillar of India’s aviation ecosystem enhancement plan. Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam unveiled this roadmap in April 2025, with Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu underscoring the goal of establishing 50 new airports by 2030. This strategy includes supporting airline growth and scaling up flying training organizations.
The expansion highlights a focus on “airport infrastructure India” and “aviation market India growth.” The number of operational airports has more than doubled from 74 in 2014 to 159 currently, with a long-term vision of operating over 350 airports by 2047. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are crucial, complemented by streamlined land acquisition processes with state governments playing a vital role.
Powering Regional Connectivity: The Greenfield Airports Policy
India’s “Greenfield Airports Policy,” introduced in 2008, is a significant catalyst for this expansion. It provides a framework for developing new airports on undeveloped land to alleviate urban airport congestion and enhance regional air connectivity. The policy requires a two-stage approval process from the Ministry of Civil Aviation: ‘Site Clearance’ followed by ‘In-Principle’ approval. Airport developers or State Governments are primarily responsible for implementation and funding, promoting “PPP airport projects India.”
The Government of India has granted ‘In-Principle’ approval for 21 new Greenfield Airports. Notable locations include Mopa (Goa), Navi Mumbai and Sindhudurg (Maharashtra), Jewar (Noida) (Uttar Pradesh), Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh), Dholera and Hirasar (Gujarat), and Kannur (Kerala). 11 to 12 of these approved greenfield airports are already operational, including Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Itanagar (Donyi Polo), Mopa, and Shivamogga. This operationalization demonstrates commitment to boosting “regional connectivity” and accessibility under the “UDAN scheme.”
Expanding Horizons: Specific Projects for the 50 New Airports in India Initiative
Beyond operational greenfield airports, seven approved projects are designated for development as international airports: Mopa (Goa), Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), Karaikal (Puducherry), Jewar (Noida) (Uttar Pradesh), Dholera (Gujarat), Hirasar (Gujarat), and Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh). The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is developing Hirasar and Dholera airports.
The 50 new airports initiative also includes establishing new civil enclaves at Air Force stations and proposed greenfield airports in areas like Ankleshwar and Dwarka (Gujarat). The development of Bihta Airport as a secondary airport for Patna, Bihar, aims to alleviate pressure and enhance regional accessibility.
Furthermore, the government is considering leasing an additional 11 existing airports under the PPP model. These include major facilities like Amritsar, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, and Tiruchirappalli, along with smaller airports such as Kushinagar, Gaya, Hubballi, and Tirupati. This blend of new construction and facility enhancement is crucial for “airport expansion” to meet future air travel demand.
The sustained growth in air travel underscores the importance of these development efforts, reflecting the dynamic evolution of India’s aviation infrastructure. The initiative to build 50 new airports is a testament to India’s aspirations for a more connected, accessible, and economically vibrant future.
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