India’s airport passenger handling capacity crosses 580 million annually: Government

India's annual airport passenger handling capacity has crossed 580 million, significantly higher than the 420 million passengers handled in 2025-26, the government informed Parliament. The country now has 166 operational airports, with 25 greenfield airport projects approved to meet future demand

New Delhi: India’s airport infrastructure has received a significant boost, with the country’s total annual passenger handling capacity surpassing 580 million passengers, the government informed Parliament on Monday.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, said the increase in capacity is the result of continuous expansion and modernisation initiatives undertaken by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and private airport operators.

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These projects are being implemented based on factors such as traffic growth, operational requirements, airline demand, financial viability and techno-economic considerations.

According to the minister, airports across the country now have the capacity to handle more than 580 million passengers annually, compared with actual passenger traffic of around 420 million during the 2025-26 financial year.

The expanded capacity is aimed at accommodating future growth in domestic and international air travel while reducing congestion at major airports.

India currently has 166 operational airports. To further strengthen aviation infrastructure, the government has granted in-principle approval for 25 greenfield airport projects.

Of these, 14 airports have already become operational, reflecting the Centre’s efforts to improve regional connectivity and support rising travel demand.

In a separate response to the Upper House, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said 11 scheduled and scheduled commuter airlines are currently operating in the country.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for both the expansion of existing carriers and the entry of new players into the aviation sector.

Highlighting the industry’s growth outlook, Naidu said Indian airlines currently operate a fleet of 860 aircraft.

He added that carriers have placed orders for 2,056 aircraft, of which 427 have already been delivered.

The remaining aircraft are expected to be inducted in phases, depending on airlines’ fleet expansion strategies, market conditions and commercial requirements.

The minister noted that delivery schedules would also be influenced by aircraft availability, supply chain challenges and other operational factors.