The data released by aviation consultancy firm CAPA India in April this year underlines India’s strong presence in the global aviation market. The country’s international air traffic is estimated at 69.7 million passengers in 2023-24, recording a 22.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth. The number of domestic passengers last year was 153.4 million, registering a 13.46 percent growth from the previous year.
However, even as the aviation industry is expected to maintain this growth, the infrastructure at major airports is struggling to keep pace. Recent news reports have also focused on issues pertaining to overcrowded terminals, long queues at security checkpoints, frequent flight delays, ensuing passenger dissatisfaction and operational challenges.
The need for more investment in aviation, especially in airport infrastructure, was one of the key points highlighted by the Economic Survey 2023-24. Although the number of airports in India has almost doubled in the last 10 years, the survey indicated that the increasing surge in demand for air travel in the country could only be met by adding more airports. “This is the right time to implement these expansion plans. If we don’t expand and modernise airport infrastructure now, we risk stifling the growth that has placed India on the global aviation map,” says Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of aviation major Sky One.
Earlier in March, the government launched 15 airport projects, including 12 new terminal buildings with a combined capacity to serve 615 lakh passengers annually. As of June 2024, India has 157 operational airports, and the Civil Aviation Ministry has revealed its ambitious target of 300 operational airports by 2047.
“Steps should be taken to promote integrated land use by creating special economic zones around airports, and combining business, logistics, and residential areas. Multi-modal transportation integration, adopting green airport designs using sustainable materials and technologies, and encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) would also attract investment and expertise could also help with airport infrastructure development,” suggests Mr Mirchandani.
At present, a significant amount of Indian international air traffic relies on connectivity hubs in the Middle East and South Asia. Jaideep Mirchandani believes that enhancing capacity can strengthen Indian airlines, helping them to offer long-haul travel from the country.
Highlighting that better airport infrastructure and services can lead to happier travellers and more business, Jaideep Mirchandani also moots technological integration and concludes, “By incorporating smart airport technologies such as biometric boarding and automated baggage handling, airports can offer a better experience to travellers.”