NEW DELHI: India will need 50 new or enhanced airport over the next five years as aviation growth continues to remain strong here, Union aviation secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said here Wednesday at an Airports Council International (ACI) conference here Wednesday. “India had 74 airports in 2014 and we closed last year at 159. On Wednesday, the number has risen to 160 (with Amravati airport being inaugurated). Over the next five years, we will need 50 new or enhanced airports,” the secretary said as the Govt prepares for the next round of privatising airports.
ACI (Asia-Pacific & Middle East) DG Stefano Baronci said India will be the world’s fastest growing market for air travel till 2053 and aviation growth here will outpace that in China in the near term till 2027, said here Wednesday. “India is a developing market in process of augmenting its infra and supply chain,” he said.
While India will lead the growth, Asia-Pacific and Middle East as a whole will see big increase in air travel. ACI estimates airports in Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are “poised to undergo extensive development, with combined investments of $240 billion dedicated to both upgrading existing facilities (brownfield projects) and building new airports (greenfield projects) between 2025 and 2035.” ACI is a trade association representing over 600 airports from 46 countries and territories.
SGK Kishore, president, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “The $240 billion investment is not just about concrete and runways, it’s about socio-economic development in the region. Enhanced passenger experiences will stimulate tourism and business travel, while bolstered cargo capacity will streamline supply chains, driving regional trade and development. We are committed to working with our member airports and stakeholders to ensure these investments deliver tangible results to the local and regional economies.”
Baronci added: “The investment marks a critical step in transforming sector and delivering high-quality experience to passengers. The investment will create additional capacity in the medium- to-long- term. However, infrastructure development alone cannot support the growth to its full potential. In today’s increasingly complex economic landscape, we need the continuous support of governments to further liberalise air transportation and streamline visa policies across region. These are proven drivers of economic development. In contrast, protectionist measures ultimately hinder progress and limit opportunity.”
ACI also batted for more liberal air service agreements or bilaterals from India.
