India continues to expand its airport infrastructure amid increasing demand for air travel and regional connectivity. The recent operationalisation of the Navi Mumbai International Airport in Maharashtra in December 2025 marks a significant milestone, with an initial capacity of 20 million passengers annually, planned to increase to 90 million with four terminals in the future. Similarly, the upcoming Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh will begin with a capacity of 12 million passengers per annum, with expansion planned to 70 million over time. In addition, a new greenfield airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh carried out a validation flight in January 2026, further strengthening regional infrastructure. Other projects across India include civil enclaves at Bihta in Bihar, and approvals for Puri airport in Odisha.
Existing airports are also undergoing capacity enhancement with new terminals, taxiways, and expansion projects in cities such as Patna, Guwahati, and Bengaluru. The government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN, has played a key role in improving access by operationalising 663 routes connecting 95 unserved and underserved airports, heliports, and water aerodromes, as of February 2026. The scheme was recently extended with a Rs 288.4 billion outlay to develop 100 airports, modern helipads, and support indigenous aviation assets.
Emerging trends in Indian aviation include dual airport systems, with the Mumbai and Delhi regions integrating multiple airports to reduce congestion, and efforts to enhance cargo handling capabilities, especially for international freight. Notably, FedEx inaugurated an automated air cargo hub at Navi Mumbai, reflecting the sector’s focus on strengthening freight logistics.
Sustainability remains central, with more than 90 airports operating entirely on green energy, incorporating renewable sources, energy-efficient building designs, and water recycling systems. Digital advancements such as DigiYatra and smart control centers at Mumbai and Delhi airports have improved passenger experience and operational efficiency. The Indian MRO industry is also expanding, with new facilities like the Safran LEAP Engine MRO at Hyderabad and maintenance hubs being developed by airlines like IndiGo and Air India. This growth aligns with the sector’s outlook of reaching 350-400 airports by 2047, driven by government policies, technological innovation, and increased demand.
