We are aiming for 220 airports, 2,000 fleet size in India by 2030: Jyotiraditya Scindia

India's aviation landscape is set to reach new heights as the Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced a transformative plan to expand the country's airport infrastructure and services by 2030 during the third edition of the Republic Business India Economic Summit in New Delhi.

“We are aiming for 220 airports in India by 2030,” said Scindia.

With an ambitious target of 220 airports by 2030, Scindia emphasised, "What we achieved in 65 years, we have already surpassed in the last 9 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Currently, there are 149 operational airports in India.

Scindia's vision extends to fleet expansion, with projections of a fleet size between 1,500 and 2,000 by 2030. This growth is starkly contrasted with the period up to 2014, when the fleet size was a mere 400 aircraft. In a striking demonstration of this growth, Air India and Indigo have recently ordered 470 and 500 planes, respectively.

Central to this vision is a shift in focus from traditional political objectives to tangible development and progress. "Good economics makes for good politics," Scindia stated, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life over seeking positions of power. The removal of reserved and VIP lounges at airports symbolises this paradigm shift towards inclusivity and accessibility.

Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the ministry has initiated several measures to improve airport experiences. These include increasing check-in and luggage counters, especially during the winter season, when passenger luggage typically increases. Additionally, from December 12 to January 30, the Delhi airport alone witnessed the installation of 23 new X-ray machines, up from 12, to streamline security processes.

A notable innovation is the introduction of the 'DigiYatra' queue. This digital initiative, already established in 13 airports, has seen 90 lakh travellers benefit from significantly reduced boarding times, taking merely 4-5 minutes.

The transformation is not limited to infrastructure and fleet expansion. Scindia highlights remarkable progress in the North-East, noting the shocking absence of airports in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh since independence. Now, the region boasts 16 airports, significantly improving connectivity. The construction of the Dhola Sadiya Bridge, connecting Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, is a testament to this development.

Passenger numbers are expected to soar, with projections of 42 crore passengers flying by 2030, a threefold increase from current figures. Delhi's airport, already among the largest globally, is anticipated to handle a footfall of 109 million by the end of this year, up from the current 70 million.

Scindia's roadmap for 2030 paints a picture of an inclusive, accessible, and advanced aviation sector in India, poised to change the face of domestic and international travel.