The Centre has devised a five-year plan to develop and expand over 50 airports in smaller cities to accommodate the anticipated increase in air travel demand. This initiative, spearheaded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), includes projects by the central government, states, and private players, extending up to 2030.
The plan is timely as Indian domestic air traffic is booming, with a record 477,554 passengers on September 2, surpassing the previous high of 470,751 passengers set on April 21 this year.
A notable focus of the plan is Bihta, which will become the second airport for Patna, Bihar. Its foundation ceremony is set for late 2024. The new airport will feature over 60 check-in counters, more than 15 self-check-in kiosks, and accommodate 3,000 passengers during peak hours, with a future annual capacity of up to 5 million passengers.
The five-year plan also includes greenfield airports like Ankleshwar and Dwarka in Gujarat. According to Pragya Priyadarshini, Vice President at Primus Partners, increasing air travel demand will align with regional development, driving the need for more airports.
Additionally, the government plans to start developing new civil enclaves at some air force stations, including Thanjavur, Hasimara, and Thoise. Some airports will also transition to supporting larger aircraft, such as Agatti, Pantnagar, and Mysuru airports.
With rising air traffic, airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air are preparing to expand their fleets, with over 1,600 new aircraft scheduled for delivery by the end of the decade.
