India Sets A Target To Build 350 Airports by 2047, Says Aviation Minister

As part of India's vision to become a developed nation by 2047, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on 28th of September, announced plans to increase the number of airports across the country from 157 to 350. Speaking at an event commemorating World Tourism Day at Vigyan Bhawan, Naidu emphasized that this initiative is crucial to boosting tourism and enhancing domestic connectivity.

The Aviation Minister highlighted the government's commitment to expanding infrastructure, connecting more remote and unexplored regions, and improving hospitality at airports, which he described as the "gateways to a country." He also noted that the number of airports in India has more than doubled since 2014, when there were just 74 airports, resulting in a sharp increase in travelers—now reaching nearly 7 crore annually, compared to 4.6 crore in 2014.

The minister praised the success of the UDAAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which has made air travel more accessible to the common man by connecting underserved and previously unserved regions. He reiterated that the government’s vision aligns with boosting tourism by focusing on unexplored destinations and improving seaplane and helicopter connectivity to further tap into India’s vast tourism potential.

Naidu's statement signals a bold infrastructure plan aimed at supporting India's growing tourism sector and positioning the country as a top destination by 2047.

About Writer

---

Mr. Sanjeet Dube

15 years of experience as Cabin Crew with over 10,000 flying hours. Associated with Jet Airways, Mr. Dube has flown on various aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, and ATR.