Air Connectivity

Published on 23 Feb 2025

India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, after the USA and China. India's airport network has witnessed a remarkable transformation, doubling its operational airports from 74 in 2014 to 148 in 2023, facilitating increased air travel accessibility.

Highlights of Air Connectivity in India

• Rapid Expansion: India is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. Domestic passenger traffic has grown at a CAGR of 17.5% between 2014-2020, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

• Extensive Network: India boasts a vast network of over 150 airports, connecting major cities and even remote regions. The government's focus on regional connectivity has led to significant expansion in tier-II and tier-III cities.

• Affordable Travel: The emergence of low-cost carriers has made air travel accessible to a wider population. Average domestic airfares have declined significantly, boosting passenger numbers.

• Government Initiatives: The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has been instrumental in connecting underserved regions. Over 300 new routes and 65 new airports have been operationalized under the scheme.

• Infrastructure Development: India is investing heavily in airport infrastructure to handle increasing passenger traffic. Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have undergone significant expansions.

• Record Passenger Numbers: India has witnessed a surge in air passenger traffic, with domestic passenger numbers reaching a record high of 144 million in FY2020.

• Global Ambitions: India is aiming to become a global aviation hub. The government is focusing on enhancing air traffic management, airport privatization, and developing new airports to achieve this goal.

Challenges of Air connectivity in Remote areas

• Infrastructure Challenges

• Lack of Adequate Airports: Many remote regions lack proper airports or airstrips with necessary infrastructure like runways, terminals, and navigation aids.   

• Terrain Constraints: Rugged mountainous regions, dense forests, and high altitudes pose significant obstacles for airport construction and operations.

• Example: Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, a popular tourist destination, lacks a proper airport due to its high altitude and challenging topography.

• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as fog, storms, and heavy rainfall, disrupt air services frequently.

• Example: A 2022 study by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found that fog disrupts air traffic at over 30 Indian airports, many of which are located in the North and North-East.

• Operational Challenges

• Economic Viability: Air operations to remote areas are often commercially unviable due to low passenger and cargo volumes.   

• High Operating Costs: Factors like remote locations, fuel transportation, and maintenance increase operational costs significantly.   

• Skill Shortage: There is a dearth of skilled aviation personnel, including pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers, in remote regions.

• Security Concerns: Some remote areas face security challenges as border issues, impacting air operations.

• Other Challenges

• Limited Demand: Low population density and limited economic activity in many remote areas result in low air travel demand.

• Lack of Awareness: Many people in remote areas are unaware of air travel options or are hesitant to use them due to cost or other factors.

Way forward

• Infrastructure Development: Constructing all-weather airstrips in remote regions, equipped with basic facilities like passenger terminals and cargo handling areas.

• Financial Incentives: Offering tax breaks or subsidies to airlines operating on routes to remote areas to encourage service provision.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with private airlines and infrastructure developers to build and operate airports in remote regions.

• Technological Advancements: Implementing drone technology for cargo delivery and passenger transportation in areas with limited infrastructure.

• Skill Development: Establishing aviation training institutes in remote regions to create a local pool of skilled aviation professionals.

• Community Engagement: Involving local communities in airport planning and management to ensure their needs are met and to foster a sense of ownership.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
Air Connectivity transport Highlights of Air Connectivity in India Challenges of Air connectivity in Remote areas

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1