India has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to more than double its aviation network, pledging 350 operational airports by 2047. The expansion is positioned as a cornerstone of the nation’s long-term economic and infrastructure agenda, aligning with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”. Aviation officials argue that the initiative will transform connectivity, empower regional economies, and establish India as one of the fastest-growing hubs in global civil aviation.
Currently, India operates 162 airports, a number that has risen by 88 in the past decade. Officials emphasise that this growth has not been confined to metropolitan centres but has steadily extended to tier two and tier three cities, where air connectivity is becoming an enabler of regional development. By 2047, the target of 350 airports is expected to serve not only India’s rising passenger traffic but also the broader goals of inclusive mobility, equitable access, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
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Eastern India has emerged as a priority in this expansion roadmap. Odisha, in particular, will witness new infrastructure with a modernised terminal in Bhubaneswar and a greenfield airport in Puri. Aviation authorities also point out that 11 existing airstrips in the state hold potential to be converted into functional airports, further decentralising connectivity and reducing dependence on overcrowded hubs.Sustainability, however, remains central to the debate. Industry experts caution that doubling airports cannot simply be about concrete expansion; it must be tied to low-carbon growth. Green terminals powered by renewable energy, fuel-efficient flight operations, and integration with public transport networks are being flagged as non-negotiables if India is to meet its climate goals while scaling aviation. Officials have also highlighted the development of heliports and seaplane operations as alternatives where full-fledged airports may not be feasible, particularly in hilly regions, islands, and ecologically sensitive areas.
Beyond hard infrastructure, the government is working to establish more Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) to meet the demand for new pilots. With passenger traffic projected to rise sharply, human resource capacity is as critical as runways and terminals. The country is also preparing to host the arrival of new seaplanes, with pilot projects planned in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.While the economic and strategic benefits of such a vast expansion are clear, concerns remain around execution, maintenance, and the environmental cost of unchecked aviation growth.
