Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has announced the central government’s ambitious plan to expand India’s aviation network to 350 airports by 2047 as part of the country’s long-term development vision for a Viksit Bharat.Speaking at the Eastern Region Ministers' Conference on Civil Aviation in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said India currently operates 162 airports, and the government aims to more than double this number over the next two decades.“Aviation is a critical pillar of Viksit Bharat. No other sector is witnessing the kind of growth we see in civil aviation. We are fully committed to supporting the states and strengthening their aviation infrastructure,” Kinjarapu stated.Regional Aviation PushThe Minister highlighted the recent growth in the sector, noting that 88 new airports have been developed in the last 11 years, not just in metros but also across Tier-II and Tier-III cities.He also announced new aviation infrastructure projects in Odisha, including:A new terminal building at Bhubaneswar AirportIn-principle approval for a greenfield airport in Puri, which is expected to be completed within two years of construction commencementKinjarapu also noted that 11 existing airstrips in Odisha have the potential to be converted into fully functional airports. The Centre will provide additional support for establishing Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) to train future pilots.Expanding Connectivity via Seaplanes and HeliportsOn connectivity beyond traditional airports, the Minister pointed to the untapped potential of seaplane operations. He shared that two seaplanes are expected to arrive by October 2025, with planned operations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.In regions where airports are not feasible, the government plans to focus on heliports, especially in hilly areas and the North-Eastern states.“Our vision is to have at least one heliport in every district where airport infrastructure is not viable,” Kinjarapu added.Update on Ahmedabad Plane CrashCommenting on the AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, the Minister confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the matter thoroughly.“The AAIB has shown commendable commitment. A detailed report has been produced, and the final findings are expected in four to five months,” he said.The conference reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a future-ready, inclusive aviation ecosystem, with focused investment in regional connectivity, training, infrastructure, and innovation.