New Delhi: The Centre plans to transform the aviation sector in the country. Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu has announced the development of 50 new airports and establishing Delhi as a major international aviation hub within the next five years. The Union minister was talking to news agency ANI on the sidelines of World Economic Forum in Davos.
“We have become the 3rd largest domestic aviation network. Now the whole world is looking at India on how to improve their own aviation networks,” said Naidu.
Naidu emphasised the importance of international collaboration, saying, “We are exploring global partnerships to bring advanced technologies and innovative passenger services to India. Many international players are keen to invest in this fast-growing sector.”
Delhi as key global aviation hub by 2027
Central to the government’s strategy is the establishment of Delhi as a key global aviation hub by 2027. Naidu detailed the efforts being made: “We are engaging with airlines and international stakeholders to build a robust transit network. India’s strategic location, catering to both Eastern and Western markets, makes it ideal for this transformation.”
The aviation ministry is also focused on enhancing the hub-and-spoke model to improve connectivity. “We’re working with domestic and international airlines to establish seamless transitions. Proactive steps are being taken in collaboration with other ministries, including Home Affairs, to achieve this vision,” Naidu explained.
Enthusiasm of global investors and leaders
The minister also outlined India’s roadmap for adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce carbon emissions. “We aim to achieve 1% blending of SAF for international flights by 2027, rising to 5% by 2030, and produce 5 million tonnes of SAF within this decade,” he said.
Naidu while highlighting India’s strategic location opined that it can perfectly serve as a key international aviation hub, saying, “India is located at a position where it can cater for the East and the West of the world.”
The minister also noted the enthusiasm of global investors and leaders in the country’s aviation growth story. “There was a lot of interest, a lot of enthusiasm,” he remarked.
