+
AAI picks 150 Small Airports for Upgrade and Modernisation
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

AAI picks 150 Small Airports for Upgrade and Modernisation

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has reportedly identified 150 small airports and airstrips for modernisation to address the rising demand for air cargo and the surge in passenger traffic, Mint reported. These airports, selected from over 400 across the country, are largely underutilised. The initiative aims to optimise existing aviation infrastructure under direct government directives.

The selected airports include locations such as Aizawl, Kota, Muzaffarpur, Satna, Ziro, Jalgaon, Asansol, Malda, Jharsuguda, Khandwa, Panna, Raxaul, Vellore, Tezu, Agatti, Akola, Belgaum, Cooch-Behar, Gaya, Gorakhpur, Hubli, Kolhapur, Kandla, Kullu, Pantnagar, and Rajahmundry, according to the report.

The modernisation effort will focus on enhancing air cargo capabilities to support the transport of pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and perishables, which require fast delivery amidst disruptions in traditional trade routes and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, the upgrades will cater to increasing passenger traffic.

AAI will oversee the implementation of modernisation measures, which include extending runways, upgrading passenger amenities to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and incorporating digital technologies. This initiative coincides with a shift towards air cargo, spurred by rising shipping costs, delays, increased insurance premiums, and the heightened risks of goods in transit.

The plan also envisions advanced infrastructure for cargo handling. Proposals include developing satellite freight cities with multimodal transport links, cargo terminals, cold storage facilities, automated storage and retrieval systems, and mechanised cargo transportation. To enhance operational efficiency, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems will be introduced, enabling the seamless exchange of business documents in standardised formats among trade stakeholders.

A senior government official reportedly stated that the initiative is designed to promote tourism, trade, and bridge connectivity gaps in remote and sensitive regions. The modernisation project will prioritise safety, efficient aircraft and cargo handling, and the capacity to meet the growing needs of passengers and the cargo sector.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has reportedly identified 150 small airports and airstrips for modernisation to address the rising demand for air cargo and the surge in passenger traffic, Mint reported. These airports, selected from over 400 across the country, are largely underutilised. The initiative aims to optimise existing aviation infrastructure under direct government directives. The selected airports include locations such as Aizawl, Kota, Muzaffarpur, Satna, Ziro, Jalgaon, Asansol, Malda, Jharsuguda, Khandwa, Panna, Raxaul, Vellore, Tezu, Agatti, Akola, Belgaum, Cooch-Behar, Gaya, Gorakhpur, Hubli, Kolhapur, Kandla, Kullu, Pantnagar, and Rajahmundry, according to the report. The modernisation effort will focus on enhancing air cargo capabilities to support the transport of pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and perishables, which require fast delivery amidst disruptions in traditional trade routes and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, the upgrades will cater to increasing passenger traffic. AAI will oversee the implementation of modernisation measures, which include extending runways, upgrading passenger amenities to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and incorporating digital technologies. This initiative coincides with a shift towards air cargo, spurred by rising shipping costs, delays, increased insurance premiums, and the heightened risks of goods in transit. The plan also envisions advanced infrastructure for cargo handling. Proposals include developing satellite freight cities with multimodal transport links, cargo terminals, cold storage facilities, automated storage and retrieval systems, and mechanised cargo transportation. To enhance operational efficiency, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems will be introduced, enabling the seamless exchange of business documents in standardised formats among trade stakeholders. A senior government official reportedly stated that the initiative is designed to promote tourism, trade, and bridge connectivity gaps in remote and sensitive regions. The modernisation project will prioritise safety, efficient aircraft and cargo handling, and the capacity to meet the growing needs of passengers and the cargo sector.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?