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India Aims for 350 Airports by 2047, Says Aviation Minister at Davos

India's Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos an ambitious plan to expand the country's airport infrastructure to 350 by 2047. He highlighted that India, now the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, has grown from 74 airports in 2014 to 164 today, driven by policy and capital infusion. The minister emphasized a projected annual growth rate of 10-12% for the sector, backed by nearly 1700 aircraft orders. Several state governments, including Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, are concurrently engaging with global business leaders at the forum to explore investment collaborations.

Key Points: India's Plan: 350 Airports by 2047 for Developed Nation Goal

  • 50 new airports in 5 years
  • Target of 350 airports by 2047
  • 10-12% annual growth in aviation
  • 1700 aircraft orders pending
  • States actively seeking foreign investment
3 min read

India aims to have up to 350 airports by 2047: Civil Aviation Minister at Davos

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announces India's ambitious target to build up to 350 airports by 2047, highlighting rapid aviation growth.

"We have a plan to build 50 airports in the next 5 years and by Viksit Bharat 2047... we want to have up to 350 airports - Ram Mohan Naidu"

Davos, January 20

Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu while speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos highlihted that india aims to build nearly 350 airports by 2047.

"We have a plan to build 50 airports in the next 5 years and by Viksit Bharat 2047, when we want to see a developed India, we want to have up to 350 airports," Naidu said on Tuesday.

"We are the third largest domestic aviation market in the world. It was not a natural growth, but rather due to policy-making, a strong infusion of capital into the civil aviation sector, and the whole idea of democratising civil aviation in the country and expanding regional connectivity..." he said.

"Every sector in India has seen a tremendous growth in the last 10-11 years and we are projected to see this kind of growth for the next 25-30 years. From 74 airports in 2014, we have grown to 164 today... We have a plan to build 50 airports in the next 5 years and by 2047, when we want to see a developed India, we want to have upto 350 airports. We have almost 1700 aircraft orders, and no other country has this kind of order... Every year, in civil aviation itself, we are growing at a growth rate of over 10-12%..." he added.

Speaking on the multiple discussions happening by the state governments with foreign conglomerates, Minister Naidu said, "We want to collaborate. The idea is not only to gain, but also to contribute with meaningful discussions, debates, and have a sustainable, safe, secure, and technology-led future for all."

At the WEF, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam government among others, have been actively engaging with global leaders to discuss various opportunities.

Officials of the Madhya Pradesh Government met Sri Lankan conglomerate Krishan Balendra, Chairman of John Keells Holdings PLC; Hashiyama Shigeto, representative director and Executive Managing Director of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC); Jay Galla, Co-founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of the Amara Raja Group; Herve Couraye, Advisor to TouchLab; and Jasmin Hume, CEO and Founder of Shiru, among others, to explore multiple possibilities.

M B Patil, Karnataka's Minister for Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure, has also initiated a series of strategic engagements at the WEF.

The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is being held from January 19 to 23, 2026, at Davos-Klosters, which is set to welcome nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including a record number of world leaders, CEOs, innovators and policymakers, under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the ambition is impressive, I hope the focus is equally on sustainability and making air travel affordable for the common man. We don't want these airports to become white elephants.
A
Ananya R
Great to see states like Karnataka and MP actively engaging at Davos. This kind of global collaboration is exactly what we need to bring in the best technology and practices for our infrastructure projects.
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Vikram M
From 74 to 164 airports in a decade is no small feat. The growth trajectory is undeniable. If we can maintain this momentum, Viksit Bharat 2047 is not just a slogan but a very achievable target. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
As someone who travels frequently for work within India, more airports would be a huge relief. The congestion at major hubs is becoming unbearable. Hope they also upgrade the existing airport facilities.
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Priya S
I appreciate the vision, but respectfully, I hope the planning is holistic. We need better last-mile connectivity from these new airports—good roads, reliable public transport. An airport alone in a remote area won't help much.
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Karthik V
1700 aircraft orders! That's massive. This will create so many jobs in aviation, manufacturing, and services. Our youth are ready to take flight with these opportunities. 🛫

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