India Plans 100 New Airports in 10 Years With ₹30,000 Crore Investment Under UDAN

India is to build 100 new airports over the next 10 years under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme UDAN, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Tuesday, as per a PTI news report. Around ₹30,000 crore is to be spent on the plan. 

The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN scheme in March for 10 years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. It carries a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore, backed by budgetary support from the Centre. 

Airport Network 

India had 74 airports in 2014. The number has since increased to 166, according to Naidu. He said a new airport or terminal was completed roughly every 40 days during the past 12 years. 

According to the minister, demand for airports is now being reported from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, along with Himalayan areas, remote regions and islands such as Lakshadweep and Andaman. The demand is not confined to the country’s larger cities. 

Ahmedabad Hub-and-Spoke Operation 

Naidu made the announcement while inaugurating India’s third hub-and-spoke operation at Ahmedabad airport on 1 September. The arrangement is to connect passengers from different parts of India with international destinations through domestic hub airports. 

The model was first introduced at Varanasi and Amritsar, where the ministry said the response was positive. Ahmedabad was selected as the third location following requests for improved connectivity from Gujarat.  

The ministry also pointed to the large NRI community from the state. 

Improving Airport Connectivity 

Naidu said adding airports was only one part of expanding the aviation network. Connectivity between airports, both within India and with international destinations, would also need to be addressed. 

He said international flights typically operate from major cities, while passengers are increasingly seeking international services from existing airports and better domestic connections to airports that already handle international traffic.  

The hub-and-spoke model is intended to link these requirements. 

Sector Growth 

Naidu said civil aviation is the fastest-growing sector in India and contributes to economic activity and employment. He also said Gujarat has a role in the National Civil Aviation Policy. 

Read More: India State Fiscal Health: Arunachal Pradesh Logs Highest Revenue Surplus in FY25! 

Conclusion 

The government plans to add 100 airports over the next 10 years, alongside the Modified UDAN scheme. The expansion will be accompanied by efforts to connect regional airports with domestic hubs and international services. 

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