India to Build 50 New Airports: Aviation Minister Unveils Expansion Plan
India is set to witness a massive expansion in its aviation sector, with Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announcing plans to construct 50 new airports in the next five years. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s aviation infrastructure and position Delhi (DEL) as a major international aviation hub. The government is also focusing on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending and improving airline competition to ensure affordable and efficient air travel.
India Plans to Build 50 New Airports
During the World Economic Forum 2025, Minister Naidu shared India’s ambitious vision to expand its aviation ecosystem. He highlighted that India’s aviation sector has been growing at an impressive 10% annual rate over the last decade, making it the third-largest domestic aviation market globally.
The government’s plan includes:
- Developing 50 new airports across the country within the next five years.
- Transforming Delhi into a key international aviation hub within two years.
- Enhancing airline partnerships to improve transit networks and passenger services.
- Expanding infrastructure to meet rising domestic and international travel demands.
As of 2024, India has around 140 operational airports, and this number is expected to double to 300 by 2047.
Delhi as an International Aviation Hub
India’s strategic location between Eastern and Western markets makes it an ideal aviation transit hub. The government aims to leverage this advantage by:
- Developing modern airport infrastructure to handle higher passenger volumes.
- Improving airline connectivity by engaging with international carriers.
- Adopting the hub-and-spoke model to strengthen regional connectivity.
The ministry is working closely with other government departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, to accelerate aviation development.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Initiatives
The government is also focusing on sustainability in aviation. The key SAF goals include:
- Achieving 1% SAF blending in international flights by 2027.
- Increasing it to 5% by 2030.
- Producing 5 million tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce carbon emissions.
This shift towards cleaner fuel aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development in the aviation sector.
Breaking the Duopoly of IndiGo and Air India
Currently, IndiGo (60-62%) and Air India Group (28%) dominate the Indian aviation market, controlling around 90% of total market share. Minister Naidu has pledged to increase competition by:
- Reducing entry barriers for new airlines to create a more balanced market.
- Providing financial support to struggling airlines to ensure their survival.
- Encouraging state governments to participate in airport development.
- Controlling excessive airfare pricing to make air travel more affordable.
The government will also monitor airline financial health and promote unprofitable routes under the UDAN scheme to improve regional connectivity.
How Many Airports Does India Have?
As of 2024, India has approximately 140 operational airports. The government aims to expand this number significantly in the coming decades.
How Many Airports Will India Have by 2047?
India plans to have 300 airports by 2047, effectively doubling its current airport capacity to meet growing air travel demands.
India’s aviation industry is on a rapid growth trajectory, with plans to build 50 new airports in five years and establish Delhi as a major global aviation hub. The government’s commitment to sustainability, infrastructure expansion, and market competition will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian aviation. With the anticipated rise in air traffic and international partnerships, India is set to become one of the most significant aviation markets in the world.
