India needs 55 airports by 2030 to avert major crisis
India's airport network is at a "near-crisis situation", says a report by the CAPA, an aviation analysis group. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are getting new airports, but those in smaller cities like Agartala, Guwahati, Kozhikode, Srinagar and Pune are already operating beyond their capacity. To solve a myriad of issues, 55 new airports are needed by 2030. Know more about the crisis.
What are the challenges the network is facing?
According to the report, a major challenge is getting arrival/departure slots: Indian airlines will induct 350-400 planes in the next five years, but they "will also have to fly somewhere". There's also parking bay constraints: where will carriers park their aircraft? The Indian airport network will reach its maximum structural capacity by 2022. If the new planned airports are delayed, this limit could be hit earlier.
What all does India need to solve the crisis?
According to CAPA-South Asia CEO Kapil Kaul, "Preparing a realistic and executable plan...will take a few years." India will need 55 new airports to serve an additional 500-600mn passengers by 2030. They will need 1,50,000-2,00,000 acres of land. The estimated investment needed would be $36-45bn, assuming the government gives land at subsidized rates. Kaul notes India's response to such situations is still inadequate.
India is now the third largest domestic market in aviation
In the last three years, domestic passenger traffic in India grew 18.9% from 61mn to 103mn in 2017. India is today the third largest domestic market. Plans for new airports in the four metros are on: while those in Delhi and Mumbai are on in full swing, the Aviation Ministry has written to TN and WB seeking plots.
