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The Union Government will allow multiple airports to operate in major Indian cities, the Civil Aviation Minister has announced, indicating a policy shift away from the earlier restriction on airports within a 150-km radius, in order to meet rising air passenger traffic and future aviation demand.

Key Facts

  1. The Centre plans to permit two or more airports in major cities.
  2. The move is aimed at addressing:
    • Rapid growth in air passenger traffic
    • Saturation of existing airports
  4. The government will review the existing policy that restricts airports within a 150-km radius.
  5. New airports are being planned/considered in cities such as:
    • Mumbai
    • Ghaziabad (near Delhi)
    • Bengaluru
    • Chennai (Parandur)
  7. The policy will promote:
    • Balanced regional development
    • Competition in aviation infrastructure
    • Economic activity and employment generation
  9. Equal priority will be given to access roads and connectivity for all airports.
  10. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities will also be strengthened alongside airport expansion.

Static Information

Airport Policy in India

  1. Airports in India are developed under:
    • Ministry of Civil Aviation
    • Airports Authority of India (AAI) and PPP models
  3. Earlier policy discouraged multiple airports within close proximity to avoid traffic fragmentation.

Why Multiple Airports Matter

  1. Helps decongest mega airports (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai).
  2. Supports hub-and-spoke aviation model.
  3. Encourages:
    • Low-cost carriers
    • Cargo and logistics hubs
    • Tourism and business travel

Aviation Growth Context

  1. India is among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally.
  2. Rising middle-class incomes and UDAN scheme have boosted air travel.
  3. Airport infrastructure is a key pillar of the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).

Prelims MCQ

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s airport policy:

1. The Union Government plans to allow multiple airports in major cities to meet rising air traffic demand.

2. India’s existing aviation policy mandates that no airport can be developed within 150 km of another airport.

3. Development of multiple airports can help reduce congestion and promote regional economic growth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 2 and 3 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

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