Davos: During the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, Indian Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the government's plan to construct 50 additional airports, emphasizing the goal of transforming Delhi into a prominent international aviation hub.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Aviation Minister stated, "Our objective is to develop 50 new airports over the next five years, and we are exploring international partnerships to introduce advanced technologies and enhanced passenger services in our country."
He elaborated, "We are engaging with aircraft operators and working to improve the transit network within airports. Our aim is to position Delhi as a significant international aviation hub within two years."
Naidu highlighted ongoing discussions with airlines and foreign nations to support this initiative, noting considerable interest in the project.
The Minister pointed out that India's aviation sector has become the fastest-growing industry in the last decade, with an annual growth rate exceeding 10 percent.
"We have established ourselves as the third-largest domestic aviation network. The global community is now looking to India for insights on enhancing their own aviation systems," Naidu remarked.
He further indicated that the country is committed to expanding its aviation infrastructure by increasing the number of airports, growing the passenger fleet, and meeting the surging demand for air travel.
"There is significant interest and enthusiasm from international investors eager to enter the Indian aviation market, given its rapid growth," he added.
Additionally, the Union Minister outlined India's strategy for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The topic of sustainable aviation fuel has garnered significant attention, and on behalf of India, we have expressed our commitment to this initiative, he remarked.
India aims to achieve a "1 percent blending in international flights by 2027," with plans to increase this to "5 percent by 2030." The objective includes the production of "5 million tonnes of SAF in the upcoming years," the Minister stated.
"Sustainable aviation fuel has been a focal point of discussion, and we have reiterated India's commitment to this plan. Our strategy includes achieving 1 percent blending in international flights by 2027, and 5 percent by 2030, with a target of producing 5 million tonnes of SAF in the years leading up to 2030. We are working to develop the necessary infrastructure and create an ecosystem to demonstrate to the world that SAF is indeed feasible," the Minister explained.
He further highlighted that India's strategic geographical position positions it as a potential major international aviation hub. "India is situated in a way that allows it to serve both the East and the West," Naidu emphasized.
Additionally, he mentioned that the government is focused on enhancing the hub-and-spoke model by collaborating with both domestic and international stakeholders. "We are in discussions with airlines to increase connectivity. The entire transition to the hub-and-spoke model is being established domestically.
From the aviation ministry and the government, we are taking proactive measures. We are consulting with other relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, to incorporate all suggestions and necessary actions. We are addressing these matters systematically, with the goal of establishing the hub in Delhi within two years," Naidu added.
The minister also noted the keen interest and enthusiasm from global leaders and investors regarding India's aviation development. "There has been considerable interest and enthusiasm," he stated.
