The aviation sector has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, driven by increasing passenger and cargo traffic. While airport infrastructure expansion remains a key focus area, the transition towards sustainable and modern infrastructure is gaining momentum. At a recent Indian Infrastructure conference, J.T. Radha Krishna, Executive Director (Engineering), MIS and Standardisation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), shared insights on ongoing sustainable initiatives, sector challenges and future plans. Edited excerpts…
AAI has played a crucial role in developing and improving airport infrastructure across the country. It has undertaken various initiatives, such as carrying out airport modernisation and expansion, improving regional connectivity and air cargo capabilities, adopting technological advancements, enhancing safety and security measures, and promoting sustainable infrastructure. To accommodate the increasing passenger and air cargo traffic, the demand for airport infrastructure is expected to rise significantly. In response, AAI is making substantial investments in upgrading terminals, runways and other critical airport facilities.
Strategic moves
In 2024, AAI successfully developed multiple airports across the country. One of its key milestones was the completion of Ayodhya airport within 21 months, which included land acquisition for project development. Several airport expansion projects have also been completed, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure and passenger-friendly terminal buildings. Notable expansions took place at airports in Ayodhya, Port Blair, Pune, Trichy, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Dehradun and Hirasar (Rajkot). Multiple terminal expansion projects are expected to be completed in 2025-26 across Udaipur, Dholera, Jodhpur, Hubbali, Belgaum, Kadapa, Goa, Jammu and Vijayawada, among others. Around 70 per cent of construction has been completed at the Chennai airport, while work has commenced at airports in Varanasi, Bagdogra, Darbhanga, Agra, etc. AAI has outlined significant plans for airport infrastructure development over the next two years. This includes the construction of new terminal buildings at Srinagar, Gorakhpur and Bhubaneswar. Plans are also in place for a new greenfield airport in Purnia, as well as a new runway and terminal at the Keshod airport. Additionally, three major greenfield airports have been planned, with works at Kota and Bihta expected to commence by mid-2025, while land acquisition for the Silchar airport is awaited. Moreover, three island airport projects have been planned, along with five Regional Connectivity Scheme projects.
Overcoming challenges
While AAI continues its efforts to expand aviation infrastructure, several challenges remain. One of the primary obstacles in project development is land acquisition. Maintaining the financial sustainability of projects while balancing costs and user fees is critical as these works entail high capital costs. Additionally, the stability of the airline sector remains vital, as the entire airport sector and passengers benefit only when airlines remain operational. Ensuring last-mile connectivity between airports and cities remains essential. In recent years, the shortage of skilled manpower in the aviation industry has emerged as a significant challenge. Going forward, airspace management capabilities will need to be enhanced to handle the rising air traffic. Further, as congestion grows, terminal capacities will need to be expanded, along with increases in apron and runway capacity to accommodate the rising fleet size in the coming years.
Roadmap for growth
AAI’s future plans are centred around creating a modern, efficient and sustainable aviation infrastructure. In the future, a key priority will be enhancing regional connectivity through initiatives like the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (RCS-UDAN) scheme. AAI aims to modernise air traffic management systems with advanced surveillance, communucations and navigation technologies to ensure safer and more efficient air travel. Moreover, many of the airports are being expanded to enable Airbus 321 operations. Digital solutions such as Digi Yatra and self-baggage drop and inline baggage systems are being introduced to enhance passenger experience and streamline airport processes. The terminal buildings recently completed or are under development by AAI are designed as sustainable and green buildings, and are transitioning towards solar energy. These buildings have received Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment ratings of 4 and 5 stars. Moreover, AAI is promoting green and sustainable airport operations through initiatives such as the Sustainable Green Airports Mission.
