India Adding New Airports Every 50 Days as Aviation Infrastructure Expands Rapidly
India is rapidly expanding its aviation infrastructure with new airports or facility expansions every 45-50 days, according to Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu. The country currently operates 843 aircraft with 80 added in 2025 and 106 more expected in 2026. Major projects include Jewar airport near Delhi opening soon, followed by Bhogapuram airport, and Mumbai's planned third facility. The government has removed the 150-kilometre restriction for second airports and implemented Open Sky policy at 18 airports to enhance international connectivity and support economic growth.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
India is witnessing unprecedented expansion in its aviation infrastructure, with Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu revealing that the country is adding new airports or expanding existing facilities every 45 to 50 days. Speaking to media on January 4 after a validation flight at the upcoming Bhogapuram airport, the minister outlined the ambitious scale and rapid pace of India's aviation sector transformation.
Current Fleet and Growth Trajectory
India's aviation sector demonstrates robust growth with significant fleet expansion across the country.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Aircraft Fleet: | 843 aircraft |
| New Aircraft Added (2025): | 80 aircraft |
| Expected Additions (2026): | 106 aircraft |
| Additional Orders: | Star Air planning more aircraft |
The minister emphasized that this growth reflects the government's strategy of building capacity ahead of demand, ensuring infrastructure readiness for the expanding aviation market.
Major Airport Development Projects
Several significant airport projects are in various stages of development across India's key metropolitan areas.
| Project: | Status/Timeline |
|---|---|
| Jewar Airport (Delhi NCR): | Opening very soon |
| Bhogapuram Airport: | Opening few months after Jewar |
| Mumbai Third Airport: | Planned after Navi Mumbai operational |
| Delhi NCR Configuration: | Delhi, Jewar, and Hindon airports |
| Bengaluru New Airport: | Under exploration for future traffic |
Naidu highlighted that the National Capital Region will operate with three airports - Delhi, Jewar, and Hindon - to handle the growing passenger traffic and cargo operations.
Policy Framework and Connectivity Initiatives
The government has implemented several policy measures to accelerate aviation infrastructure development. The Civil Aviation Ministry is actively encouraging states to develop multiple airports, particularly in regions approaching capacity saturation.
A significant policy change involves the removal of the 150-kilometre rule that previously restricted second airport construction. This restriction no longer applies once existing airports reach full utilization, enabling more flexible infrastructure planning.
The Open Sky policy currently covers 18 airports, including Visakhapatnam, facilitating easier establishment of international routes and enhancing global connectivity.
Regional Development Focus
The minister outlined specific regional transformation plans, particularly for Andhra Pradesh. All operations from Vizag airport will shift to Bhogapuram once the new facility becomes operational, transitioning from a Vizag-centric model to a North Andhra-centric aviation hub.
Major companies including Google, Cognizant, and TCS, along with other multinational firms, are showing preference for Visakhapatnam as a major hub. The minister emphasized that improved air connectivity plays a crucial role in attracting investment and supporting regional economic growth.
Strategic Vision and Economic Impact
Naidu stressed that this expansion aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a major international aviation market, extending beyond domestic growth. The government is working to provide world-class aviation infrastructure to support economic activity, industry expansion, and international integration.
The minister emphasized that connectivity remains crucial for regional development, with the aviation infrastructure expansion serving as a catalyst for broader economic transformation across the country.
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