India’s Aviation Infrastructure in 2025: Beyond Runways and Terminals
India’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights in 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward becoming a global aviation powerhouse. With an ambitious blend of large-scale infrastructure projects, forward-thinking policy reforms, and rapid technological adoption, the industry is transforming the very landscape of air travel in the country. Beyond the iconic mega airports in Mumbai and Noida, a wave of modernization is sweeping across regional hubs, expanding connectivity to previously underserved areas. This evolution is not just about building more runways and terminals—it’s about creating a smarter, greener, and more inclusive aviation ecosystem that aligns with India’s broader economic and sustainability goals. As we explore this remarkable phase of growth, we witness how India is crafting a future where air travel is accessible, efficient, and environmentally responsible, truly flying smarter and wider than ever before…. writes, PRERNA SHARMA.
India’s aviation sector is undergoing a comprehensive transformation driven by far-reaching policy reforms, digital innovation, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. As the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, India is investing heavily in capacity creation, technological advancement, regional inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Beyond just building new airports, the focus lies in integrating modern technologies, improving passenger experiences, and reducing the environmental footprint of aviation. Together, these efforts are shaping a resilient, future-ready aviation ecosystem aligned with India’s long-term economic and environmental goals.
Flagship Projects Redefining Airport Infrastructure
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), developed by Adani Airports Holdings Ltd., represents one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects in India. Conceived as a solution to alleviate congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, NMIA is designed as a multimodal transport hub integrating metro rail, suburban trains, highways, and waterways. The goal is to transform the airport not just into a transit point but a comprehensive urban mobility node. Originally slated for inauguration in June 2025, NMIA’s launch has been rescheduled to August 2025 due to infrastructure and safety compliance challenges. Despite these minor delays, the airport is set to initially handle around 20 million passengers annually, scaling up to 90 million over successive phases.
NMIA’s strategic significance goes beyond capacity. The airport aims to catalyze regional economic development, generate thousands of jobs, and contribute to the creation of a smart urban ecosystem. The project emphasizes sustainability, including rainwater harvesting, solar power installations, and green building certifications. The initial plan to relocate 150 flight slots from Mumbai’s existing airport was withdrawn after stakeholder consultations, reflecting a flexible and inclusive approach in managing aviation traffic.
Noida International Airport: Industrial Synergy and Regional Growth
Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, backed by Zurich Airport International, is rapidly advancing toward operational readiness. Located on the outskirts of the National Capital Region, NIA is envisioned as a critical gateway for Uttar Pradesh’s industrial corridors and northern India’s economic growth. With the air traffic control tower and runway completed and terminal interiors nearing completion, domestic flights are expected to begin by mid-May 2025, followed by international services by late June.
Beyond aviation, NIA is a powerful economic catalyst. Recently announced investments such as the Rs.3,700 crore semiconductor manufacturing plant by HCL and Foxconn near the airport underscore its role in fostering an integrated industrial ecosystem. Additionally, the government is setting up essential infrastructure like a new Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital and accommodations for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which will support airport operations and the surrounding community.
Surge in Capital Investment and Policy Momentum
India’s commitment to transforming its aviation infrastructure is vividly reflected in the Union Budget 2025, which increased capital expenditure for the sector by 19%. This significant financial boost, amounting to nearly Rs.92,000 crore, underscores the government’s focus on expanding and modernizing airports, constructing new greenfield facilities, and upgrading existing brownfield projects.
These investments are aligned with the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) and the Nabh Nirman program, which collectively emphasize infrastructure development, operational efficiency, and passenger safety. NCAP provides a regulatory framework that encourages innovation, fosters competition, and enhances accessibility. The Nabh Nirman program supports airport modernization through targeted funding and technical assistance, with a focus on improving passenger amenities and digital infrastructure.
Fiscal incentives introduced through these policies have spurred private sector participation, attracting investment from global airport operators. Tax benefits, streamlined approval processes, and ease of doing business measures have been key in encouraging public-private partnerships that bring international expertise and financial resources into Indian airports. This hybrid ownership model has significantly improved operational standards and passenger experiences across multiple airports.
Legal Reforms: Building a Modern Regulatory Foundation
India’s aviation sector has witnessed crucial legal reforms in 2024 that aim to align its regulatory framework with global standards. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 replaced the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934, which no longer adequately addressed the complexities of modern aviation. The new law strengthens safety protocols, streamlines oversight, and introduces autonomous enforcement mechanisms, positioning India’s aviation safety regime among the most progressive globally.
Complementing this, the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill offers greater security to aircraft financiers and lessors by protecting their interests in case of default or disputes. This reform is expected to unlock increased foreign investment in the Indian aviation sector, enabling airlines to modernize fleets and improve service quality. The comprehensive legal overhaul sends a strong message to global stakeholders about India’s readiness to be a major aviation market with a transparent, investor-friendly regulatory environment.
Regional Connectivity Revolution: UDAN’s Expanding Impact
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s efforts to democratize air travel. Since its inception, UDAN has operationalized over 619 routes, connecting 88 previously unserved or underserved airports, heliports, and water aerodromes. With more than 14.8 million passengers having flown under the program supported by over 290,000 flights, UDAN has demonstrated how targeted subsidies and route viability funding can stimulate regional air connectivity.
In 2025-26, the government announced a modified UDAN framework aiming to expand this network by 120 additional destinations. This effort seeks to make air travel accessible to citizens in remote and rural areas, thereby boosting local economies, tourism, and employment. The scheme also facilitates state governments and private airlines in tailoring services to regional needs. Beyond economics, UDAN has social implications—improving access to healthcare, education, and business opportunities for millions. Regions that were once isolated are now linked to national and international markets, creating a ripple effect of development.
India at the Heart of Global Aviation Growth
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 recently mentioned. “India had 74 airports in 2014 and we closed last year at 159. 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.”
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 can’t support the growth to its full potential. In today’s increasingly complex economic landscape, we need the continuous support of governments to further liberalize air transportation and streamline visa policies across regions. These are proven drivers of economic development.”
Green and Digital: Transforming How India Flies
Sustainability is now a central pillar of India’s aviation strategy. Airports across the country are adopting green initiatives such as solar power generation, energy-efficient terminal designs, electric ground support vehicles, and water conservation measures. The ambition is clear: develop carbon-neutral or net-zero airports that minimize environmental footprints while supporting rising traffic volumes.
In 2025, Indian airports have significantly advanced their sustainability agendas, with several initiatives positioning the country as a global example of green aviation infrastructure. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru, India, has achieved a remarkable environmental milestone, becoming the first airport in Asia to receive the prestigious Level 5 Carbon Accreditation. Bengaluru Airport (BLR) earned the Level 5 status by achieving a remarkable 95.6 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. This substantial reduction has enabled the airport to reach net-zero status for these emission categories a full 7 years ahead of its original 2030 target.
BIAL has also invested heavily in on-site solar energy generation, with expansive solar installations helping to power airport operations with clean energy. Water conservation efforts, waste management programs, and biodiversity protection initiatives have complemented the carbon reduction strategy.
Through initiatives like its 100% reliance on renewable energy, achieved primarily by deploying solar and hybrid renewable systems, Mumbai Airport has significantly cut down its carbon emissions. The use of SolarMill technology, which combines solar and wind energy, contributes further by leveraging hybrid energy generation. This move to 100% renewable energy in 2022 has enabled the airport to reduce its CO2 emissions to nearly zero from electricity consumption, positioning it as a leader in India’s aviation sustainability landscape.
IGIA’s commitment to fully renewable energy via hydropower and solar energy integration is another critical step in reducing its environmental footprint. As the first Indian airport entirely powered by renewable sources, IGIA’s green transformation aligns with its ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2030. Its LEED-certified green infrastructure, alongside its carbon reduction strategy, plays a key role in minimizing operational emissions. IGIA has also implemented extensive green spaces, which act as natural carbon sinks, further contributing to its carbon reduction.
Similarly, Bhubaneswar Airport is undergoing a major eco-conscious expansion with Terminal 3, emphasizing energy efficiency, sustainable construction materials, and a planned reduction in aircraft taxiing emissions through new infrastructure upgrades. These efforts are designed not only to improve passenger experience but also to meet green building standards.
On a national scale, solar energy adoption has become a cornerstone of airport sustainability, with 12 airports shifting to solar power in 2024 alone. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in this space, integrating rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic systems across key airports. This aligns with the government’s broader goal to make 90 airports carbon neutral by 2030.
Cochin International Airport continues to set benchmarks as the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, further enhancing its sustainability model by piloting green hydrogen usage and converting terminal waste into biogas. Its innovations have inspired similar initiatives at tier-2 airports across the country.
Academic and industry assessments from early 2025 highlight trends such as the adoption of electric vehicles for ground services, digitized waste management systems, and the rollout of ESG-linked financial instruments to support green airport developments. Collectively, these initiatives signal a decisive shift toward environmentally responsible aviation, rooted in technology, innovation, and regional cooperation.
On the digital front, airports and airlines are investing heavily in AI-enabled systems, biometric boarding gates, advanced baggage tracking, and real-time flight information services. Digital air traffic management systems improve efficiency and reduce delays. Passengers benefit from seamless check-ins, contactless payments, and personalized travel experiences. This digital transformation not only enhances safety and convenience but also improves operational resilience in an increasingly complex travel landscape.
A Connected Future, Taking Flight
India’s aviation infrastructure paints a glowing picture of transformation—an ecosystem becoming more inclusive, digital, and sustainable. From the gleaming terminals of Navi Mumbai and Noida to newly activated airstrips in remote regions, India is building a robust network that mirrors its broader economic aspirations. With continued investment, innovation, and policy alignment, Indian aviation is not just flying higher—it is flying smarter and greener toward a more connected future. Ultimately, India’s aviation story is one of resilience, vision, and innovation—a journey from colonial-era runways to the forefront of 21st-century air connectivity, delivering benefits that soar far beyond the skies.
Fast Facts
- India currently operates 160 airports (as of May 2025), up from 74 airports in 2014. The government plans to add or upgrade 50 more airports over the next five years, aiming to reach a total of 200 operational airports by 2025.
- The government has allocated approximately Rs.92,000 crore (~$11 billion) towards airport infrastructure expansion and modernization in 2025. The Union Budget 2025 increased capital expenditure for aviation infrastructure by 19% over the previous year.
- India is the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with passenger traffic expected to exceed 400 million annually within the next few years, reflecting rapid growth driven by rising middle-class demand and regional connectivity.
- Over 619 regional routes have been operationalized under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme by early 2025, connecting 88 unserved or underserved airports. This initiative has facilitated over 14.8 million passenger journeys and 290,000 flights, significantly improving access to remote areas.
- Investments are not just concentrated in metro hubs; a major thrust is on greenfield and brownfield airport projects in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to spur economic growth and improve last-mile connectivity.
- According to Airports Council International (ACI), India is expected to be the fastest-growing aviation market globally until at least 2053, outpacing China in near-term growth up to 2027.
