The Centre has exceeded its five-year airport infrastructure investment target by 105 per cent to ₹96,843 crore in capital expenditure against a projected ₹91,637 crore during FY19-20 to FY24-25, sources said.
The original target (₹91,637 crore) was set under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).
“This constant upward trend in capex demonstrates that investments in the airport sector are progressing in line with the targets, ensuring world-class airport infrastructure development across the country,” sources said.
Sources say the final year of the NIP period, FY24-25, recorded the highest-ever annual capital expenditure of ₹19,317 crore.
Besides, the data showed that private and public-private partnership airport developers contributed ₹67,978 crore to the total investment during the five-year period.
“This substantial private sector involvement highlights the aviation industry’s confidence in India’s growth prospects,” sources said.
Furthermore, Airports Authority of India (AAI) during the period under review, achieved ₹28,865 crore in capital expenditure, representing nearly 30 per cent of the total investment.
Meanwhile, financial analysis of the data revealed a consistent upward trajectory in annual capital expenditure since FY20-21.
Notably, the trend indicated a sustained momentum in airport development projects across the country.
On the other hand, sources cited aviation sector’s vulnerability to external shocks during the assessment period, including the Covid-19 pandemic that impacted the industry during the early years of the NIP period.
“The capital expenditure surge has translated into tangible improvements in airport capacity, passenger experience, and operational efficiency across India’s aviation network,”
“New terminals, runway expansions, and technology upgrades have enhanced the country’s connectivity.”
According to sources, the achievement comes at a critical time when India’s aviation sector is experiencing renewed growth momentum following pandemic-related disruptions.
“The robust infrastructure foundation established during the NIP period positions the country to capitalise on emerging opportunities in domestic and international aviation markets,” sources said.
At present, India has around 150 operational airports.
