Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu revealed intentions to create 50 new airports throughout India and position Delhi as a leading international aviation center within the upcoming five years.
In a pivotal initiative to reshape the country’s aviation scene, India intends to establish 50 new airports over the next five years, while also aiming to elevate Delhi to a global aviation hub within a two-year timeframe. The revelation came from Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, detailing the government’s approach to address the rising demand for air travel and strengthen India’s standing in the international aviation arena.
India’s aviation industry has witnessed remarkable growth, achieving an annual expansion rate exceeding 10% in the last decade, solidifying its position as the third-largest domestic aviation market worldwide. Minister Naidu emphasized the nation’s capacity to draw in global investors and stakeholders eager to engage with its thriving aviation landscape.
“We have achieved the status of the 3rd largest domestic aviation network. Now, the entire world is observing India to enhance their own aviation systems,” remarked Naidu.
International Collaboration and Investment
Emphasizing the significance of global collaborations, Naidu stated, “We are pursuing international partnerships to introduce cutting-edge technologies and innovative passenger services in India. Numerous global entities are enthusiastic about investing in this rapidly expanding sector.”
Delhi as a Key Global Aviation Hub
The government aspires to establish Delhi as an international aviation hub by 2027. A crucial element of India’s aviation plan is the metamorphosis of Delhi into a significant international aviation center. Citing its advantageous position as a bridge between East and West, Naidu disclosed ongoing conversations with airlines and international partners to enhance connectivity and position Delhi as an essential player in global air travel.
Naidu elaborated, “We are collaborating with airlines and international stakeholders to create a strong transit network. India’s strategic location, serving both Eastern and Western markets, renders it ideal for this transformation.”
Efforts are also in progress to reinforce the hub-and-spoke model for enhanced connectivity. “We’re engaging with both domestic and international airlines to ensure smooth transitions. Proactive measures are being taken in partnership with other ministries, including Home Affairs, to realize this vision,” Naidu explained.
Navi Mumbai Airport Inauguration in April 2025
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), one of the most significant greenfield airport initiatives in India, is set to be inaugurated on April 17, 2025. Operations are scheduled to commence in the latter half of May 2025, marking a significant achievement in meeting the increasing air traffic needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The initial phase of the airport will include a single runway and Terminal 1, designed to accommodate 20 million passengers each year and facilitate 20-30 air traffic movements per hour. With an investment of Rs 16,700 crore, NMIA aims to alleviate congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which currently serves over 50 million passengers annually.
Modern Amenities and Future Expansion Plans
NMIA will feature cutting-edge technologies, such as biometric systems and efficient terminal connectivity. Each runway will be capable of supporting up to 50 air traffic movements per hour. While Phase 1 concentrates on Terminal 1, construction of Terminal 2, which will have the capacity to manage an additional 30 million passengers per year, is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2028.
Phase 2, commencing in July 2025, will further improve infrastructure and capacity. Once all five phases are completed, NMIA will be equipped to serve 90 million passengers annually.
Boosting Mumbai’s Connectivity and Tourism
NMIA is projected to attract both domestic and international airlines eager to capitalize on the rising passenger demand in the area. Enhanced last-mile connectivity, including proposed metro expansions and highway improvements, will provide smooth access to the new airport.
This cutting-edge facility aspires to emerge as a vital aviation hub, alleviating air traffic congestion at Mumbai Airport and stimulating growth in tourism and commerce throughout Maharashtra and beyond.
Focus on Sustainability
The minister also underscored initiatives to implement sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to mitigate carbon emissions. “We aim for a 1% blending of SAF for international flights by 2027, increasing to 5% by 2030, and producing 5 million tonnes of SAF within this decade,” he stated.
Growing Global Interest
Naidu observed a rising interest from global investors and leaders in India’s aviation expansion. “There was significant interest, a great deal of enthusiasm,” he noted.
“India is situated in a position that allows it to serve both the East and West of the world,” he added, highlighting the country’s strategic edge.
As India prepares to revolutionize its aviation industry, the upcoming years are anticipated to be groundbreaking. With the introduction of new infrastructure, an emphasis on sustainability, and Delhi’s rise as a global aviation center, India is ready to pave the way for the future of air travel.
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