The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Sunday that the number of operational airports in India has surged from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024. The government aims to expand this number to 350-400 by 2047.
Domestic Air Traffic Doubles Over Past Decade
The number of domestic air passengers in India has more than doubled over the past decade. Indian airlines have significantly increased their fleets to meet growing demand. India now ranks as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, behind the US and China. The sector has seen a 15 percent year-on-year increase in total air passengers, reaching 37.6 crore in FY24.
“The industry has transformed remarkably, evolving into a vibrant and competitive sector,” the ministry stated. This growth underscores India’s rising prominence in the global aviation ecosystem.
Government Initiatives and Future Goals
At the recent Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s advancements in aviation technology and infrastructure. He emphasized the need for greater inclusivity, noting that 15 percent of India’s pilots are women, surpassing the global average of 5 percent. An advisory has been issued to further increase this number.
The Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) launched in 2016 aims to connect unserved and underserved airports by reviving existing airstrips and airports. The scheme has contributed significantly to the sector’s growth, with over 1.43 crore passengers benefiting from it and more than 2.8 lakh flights operating under the scheme.
The government has allocated about Rs 4,500 crore for airport development under RCS-UDAN, with Rs 3,751 crore already utilized. India’s aviation sector continues to advance with significant improvements in infrastructure, regional connectivity, and sustainability.
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