**Policy Summary: Expansion of Aviation Infrastructure in India**
This document summarizes the Indian government's policy and initiatives regarding the expansion of aviation infrastructure, as articulated in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4703, addressed on August 21, 2025. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, under the direction of Minister of State Shri Murlidhar Mohol, outlines the government's approach to expanding the airport network and related infrastructure across the country.
The government's strategy involves several key components: granting 'In-Principle' approval for new Greenfield airports; upgrading and modernizing existing airports by Airport Operators, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI); developing and reviving unserved/underserved airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN); and promoting private investments in both existing and new airports through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
The expansion, modernization, and development of airport infrastructure are ongoing processes, driven by traffic demand, commercial feasibility, operational requirements for safety, and airline demand. Projects are implemented in phases, contingent upon land availability, viability assessments, and necessary facilities for aircraft operations.
Significant capital expenditure (CAPEX) has been allocated to enhance airport infrastructure. Between FY 2019-20 and FY 2024-25, AAI and PPP partners invested over Rs. 96,000 crore. AAI's contribution exceeded Rs. 28,000 crore, with the remaining investment originating from private airport operators/developers through the PPP model.
Furthermore, the government plans to establish domestic air cargo facilities at multiple airports, including Noida Jewar, Navi Mumbai, Dholera, Silchar, Hirasar, Jharsuguda, Itanagar Hollongi and Kanpur airports.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and laws relating to civil aviation in India.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol: Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Airports Authority of India (AAI): A statutory body responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India.
Regional Connectivity Scheme RCS UDAN Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik: A regional airport development and Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of the Government of India to enhance aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in the country.
Public Private Partnership (PPP): A mode of infrastructure development involving collaboration between a government agency and a private sector company.
Noida Jewar: The location of a planned domestic air cargo facility in Uttar Pradesh.
Navi Mumbai: The location of a planned domestic air cargo facility in Maharashtra.
Dholera: The location of a planned domestic air cargo facility in Gujarat.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4703
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21st August 2025 )
EXPANSION OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE
4703. SHRI VE VAITHILINGAM
DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a special investment policy for the
expansion of the airport network/aviation infrastructure across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the funds proposed to be spent for the purpose; and
(c) whether the Government also proposes to establish new domestic cargo terminals and if
so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar
Mohol)
(a) & (b): The Government has taken various steps for expansion of the airport infrastructure
in the country, which, inter-alia, include grant of In-Principle' approval for construction of
new Greenfield airports, upgradation and modernisation of existing airports by Airport
Operators including Airports Authority of India, Development/revival of
unserved/underserved airports under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude
Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) and promoting private investments in existing and new airports
through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) .;
Expansion, Modernisation and development of airport infrastructure is a continuous process,
which is undertaken by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the other Airport
Operators/Developers concerned depending upon traffic demand, commercial feasibility,
operational requirements for safety of aircraft operation and demand from airlines etc.
Development works are taken up in a phased manner depending upon availability of land and
viability, as well as other facilities with reference to intended aircraft operations.;
To improve the airport infrastructure in the country, AAI and PPP Partners have incurred a
CAPEX of more than Rs. 96000 crore during FY 2019-20 to FY 2024-25. Out of this, more
than Rs. 28000 crore has been incurred by AAI and the remaining by private airport
operators/developers under PPP mode.;;
(c): Domestic air cargo facilities are planned at Noida (Jewar), Navi Mumbai, Dholera,
Silchar, Hirasar, Jharsuguda, Itanagar (Hollongi) and Kanpur airports.
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