India plans 100 new airports and 200 helipads to expand aviation network

India plans to develop more than 100 new airports and 200 helipads over the next decade as part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and expand the country’s civil aviation infrastructure, Union civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Wednesday.

Speaking during an event at Birsa Munda Airport, the minister said the expansion reflects the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector over the past decade.

According to the minister, the number of operational airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to 165 currently, helping position India among the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets.

Government targets next phase of regional connectivity

The planned expansion forms part of the government’s broader aviation growth roadmap under the second phase of the UDAN Scheme.

Naidu said the Ministry of Civil Aviation has received its highest-ever allocation of Rs 29,000 crore this year to support the rollout of UDAN 2.0 and strengthen regional air access.

Key announcements made by the minister include:

• Development of over 100 airports in the next decade
• Expansion of more than 200 helipads nationwide
• Rs 29,000 crore allocation for aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity
• Continued expansion under the UDAN regional aviation programme

The UDAN scheme, launched to improve affordable regional air connectivity, has played a central role in linking smaller cities and underserved regions to India’s aviation network.

Airports becoming economic growth centres

Naidu said airports are increasingly functioning as hubs for economic activity, employment generation and cultural engagement rather than serving only as transport infrastructure.

Speaking at Ranchi airport, he inaugurated several passenger and community-focused facilities, including:

• A Udan Yatri Cafe
• A public library
• A children’s zone
• An AVSAR kiosk supporting local artisans from Jharkhand

The minister also unveiled a statue of tribal leader Birsa Munda at the airport.

According to Naidu, rising passenger footfall and growth in aircraft numbers reflect increasing demand for domestic air travel across India.

Aviation growth accelerates amid rising passenger demand

India’s aviation sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by higher passenger volumes, growing regional connectivity and airline fleet expansion.

The increase in operational airports has supported connectivity across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, while airlines continue adding aircraft to meet domestic and international demand.

Industry analysts view airport infrastructure development as critical to sustaining long-term passenger growth in one of the world’s fastest-expanding aviation markets.

The government’s focus on helipad infrastructure also reflects increasing interest in regional mobility, emergency services connectivity and future urban air mobility networks.

Long-term infrastructure expansion remains a priority

The latest expansion roadmap signals continued government focus on aviation infrastructure as a strategic economic growth driver.

As passenger traffic continues rising and airlines expand fleets and routes, India’s airport and regional connectivity capacity will face increasing pressure over the coming decade.

The proposed addition of new airports and helipads is expected to support wider access to air travel, improve connectivity in underserved regions and strengthen the country’s position as a major global aviation market.