Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam. File
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
The Government plans to take up 50 airport development projects, including new airports, in the next five years as holistic efforts are being made to boost the country’s aviation ecosystem.
Currently, there are 159 operational airports in the country and the number has doubled compared from 74 in 2014.
Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) said efforts are being made in a holistic manner to develop the aviation ecosystem, including supporting airlines, and scaling up flying training organisations.
In five years, the plan is to have 50 airport development projects.
This will include new airports as well as significantly enhancing existing airports, Mr. Vualnam said.
While emphasising that the government is focused on Public Private Partnership (PPP) for development of airports, Mr. Vualnam said there is also a “well-oiled mechanism” for land acquisition for airport projects, speaking at the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly in the National Capital.
Land for airports are provided by the respective State Governments.
Also Read: KIA in Bengaluru becomes first airport in Asia to receive Level 5 Accreditation of ACI
An analysis by ACI Asia Pacific & Middle East, which represents airports, showed that capital expenditure worth $240 billion will be required for brownfield and greenfield airports in the region.
India is one of the world’s fastest growing civil aviation markets.
Published – April 16, 2025 03:13 pm IST
