Key Points:
- India’s aviation sector is the fastest-growing in the world, with ambitious plans to transform into a global aviation hub.
- Central government plans to offer tax discounts and ease regulations for aviation companies in the upcoming budget.
- NITI Aayog drafts a multi-phase package in collaboration with key ministries.
- Number of domestic air travelers projected to rise from 22 crores (2024) to 40 crores by 2030.
- Plans to increase airports from 157 to 250 by 2030 and up to 400 by 2047.
- Two aviation hubs proposed, with Hisar emerging as a strong contender in North India.
New Delhi: India’s aviation sector is soaring to unprecedented heights, with the central government unveiling an ambitious roadmap to transform the country into a global aviation hub. Speaking on the matter, the Civil Aviation Minister confirmed that for the first time, a concrete plan has been devised to achieve this vision, and a significant announcement is expected in the upcoming general budget.
Tax Discounts and Regulatory Reforms in the Pipeline
As part of the government’s initiative, the aviation sector is likely to benefit from tax discounts and relaxed regulatory frameworks. Sources indicate that the general budget may introduce significant incentives, including reductions in service tax for aviation companies and the simplification of operational rules.
NITI Aayog’s Strategic Blueprint
NITI Aayog, in collaboration with ministries like Petroleum, Civil Aviation, Finance, Home, and Defense, has prepared a comprehensive draft to guide the sector’s growth. This package, which will be rolled out in multiple phases, aims to align with the government’s long-term vision for aviation infrastructure and connectivity.
Expansion Milestones: Airports, Passengers, and Aircraft
The aviation sector is set to witness remarkable growth in the coming decades:
- Domestic air travelers are projected to rise from 22 crores in 2024 to 40 crores by 2030.
- The fleet size of Indian aviation companies is expected to increase from 800 to 1,400 aircraft by 2030.
- The number of operational airports will grow from 157 in 2024 to 250 by 2030, with a target of 400 airports by 2047.
Hisar’s Bid to Become an Aviation Hub
A key component of the government’s plan is the establishment of two major aviation hubs—one each in North and South India. While earlier discussions focused on a single hub, the current proposal expands the scope to accommodate regional needs. Haryana’s state government has pitched Hisar as a potential global aviation hub, though a final decision from the central government is pending.
A Vision for 2047: India’s Aviation Future
With the government’s strategic initiatives, India is poised to redefine its aviation landscape by 2047, coinciding with the country’s centenary of independence. The focus is not only on enhancing infrastructure but also on creating a robust ecosystem for global competitiveness.
The upcoming budget is expected to set the stage for this transformation, providing a glimpse of India’s aspirations to become a leader in the global aviation sector. All eyes are now on the government’s announcements as the aviation industry gears up for a groundbreaking phase of growth.
