India is gearing up to revolutionize its aviation sector by ambitiously doubling its airport count to 300 by 2047, driven by a projected surge in passenger traffic, according to a draft plan unveiled by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
This strategic initiative aims to accommodate an anticipated eightfold increase in passenger numbers over the next few decades. The draft National Airports Development Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy, earmarking approximately 70 airstrips for transformation into full-fledged airports capable of handling narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Additionally, around 40 airstrips are slated for upgrades to cater to smaller aircraft operations. Where feasible, new greenfield airports will be constructed to meet growing demand, especially in regions lacking civilian airport facilities within a 50-kilometer radius.
Currently, India operates 138 airports nationwide. The development plan proposes a mix of greenfield projects and the enhancement of existing civil enclaves to bolster the country’s airport infrastructure. An official quoted in the report emphasized, “This expansion strategy is designed to optimize capacity and enhance operational efficiency across the aviation network.” Anticipated growth projections indicate a substantial rise in annual passenger traffic, projected to soar to between 3 billion and 3.5 billion by 2047, up from the current 376 million.
The plan forecasts that international passengers will constitute approximately 10-12 per cent of this total, with domestic passenger figures accounting for both arrivals and departures. The envisioned expansion not only aims to accommodate escalating air travel demands but also underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its aviation infrastructure in line with global standards. The plan emphasizes sustainable growth practices, technological integration, and efficient utilization of resources to support the burgeoning aviation sector.
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