India Targets 350 Airports by 2047 to Boost Connectivity and Tourism
India's Civil Aviation Ministry has outlined plans to increase the number of airports in the country to 350 by 2047, as part of a long-term infrastructure expansion strategy. Currently, the country has 157 operational airports, a significant rise from 74 in 2014. This target was announced during an event commemorating World Tourism Day, highlighting the government's efforts to improve air connectivity and support tourism growth.
According to the ministry, India saw nearly 7 crore air travelers in 2023, compared to 4.6 crore in 2014. Of these, over 35% were international tourists arriving for holidays and recreational activities. The planned expansion of airport infrastructure aims to improve access to underserved regions, many of which hold significant tourism potential due to their natural landscapes and unexplored sites.
The government also aims to strengthen air connectivity in remote areas through the UDAAN scheme, which focuses on improving access to regional airports. In addition to traditional airports, the Civil Aviation Ministry is exploring options to enhance seaplane and helicopter services for better accessibility to isolated locations.
As part of the broader effort to promote tourism, the Ministry of Tourism launched the 'Chalo India' campaign. Under this initiative, visa fee exemptions will be offered to 100,000 foreign tourists to encourage international travel to India.
World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, is organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The event aims to promote tourism as a tool for global development, with this year’s theme being "Tourism and Peace."