The Indian aviation market is set to witness a substantial increase in air passenger numbers by 2047. The Airports Authority of India Chairman, Sanjeev Kumar, foresees a significant increase in air passenger numbers in the next three years.
Kumar, while speaking on the eve of the Airports Authority of India’s annual day, said, “As per one estimate, by 2047, we should be carrying almost 300 crore passengers per year. Our population is huge; our middle class is growing, so the number of travellers is going to grow.”
AAI’s remarkable achievements
The AAI chairman also highlighted the organization’s accomplishments, including the expansion of existing airports and the construction of new ones.
“We have expanded existing airports and constructed new ones. We completed the licencing extension for new airports in 20 places and achieved a greenfield airport in Ayodhya within 20 months. Additionally, we completed the terminal building in Gwalior in 16 months. AAI, with the support of all of you, has done a commendable job,” he said.
Kumar made these remarks at a dinner event at the AAI Officers Institute (Club) at the Safdarjung Airport, as the Airports Authority of India celebrated its 29th annual day on April 1st.
During the awards ceremony, several airports were recognised for their outstanding performance, particularly in delivering superior customer satisfaction. In a notable development, Indore airport received the Best Airport of the Year award in the ACI-ASQ Survey 2023 among AAI Airports. Additionally, Chennai and Varanasi airports secured second and third place in the same survey.
Strengthening civil aviation infrastructure
Furthermore, in a bid to strengthen the nation’s civil aviation infrastructure, AAI has invested over Rs 3,800 Crores in engineering projects at various airports across the country. These investments are directed to improve aviation infrastructure, ensuring heightened safety standards and an improved passenger experience.
