India Plans Major Aviation Expansion, Targets 400 Airports by 2047
India plans to increase its number of operational airports to over 400 by 2047, as part of long-term infrastructure development initiatives in the aviation sector. According to a company-issued press release, the number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024.
By 2035, the aviation sector in India is projected to handle 3.5 billion passengers annually, with significant investments in infrastructure and technology underway. A notable initiative is the implementation of biometric-based systems like Digi Yatra to enhance passenger convenience.
The government has also introduced 583 new regional air routes under the UDAN scheme to improve connectivity in remote areas. Additionally, India aims to increase the proportion of women in the aviation workforce to 25% by 2025.
Expansions at major airports, including those in Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai, are expected to contribute to the sector's growth. Further developments are aimed at aligning the aviation sector with broader national infrastructure goals.