The Indian government is planning to develop **44 new airports** under a 'Hub and Spoke' model to significantly enhance global connectivity and boost regional aviation. This initiative aims to streamline international travel from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
44
New Airports Planned
📊 One chart explains it
Indian Airports (Operational vs. Planned)
Takeaway: India's airport infrastructure is undergoing rapid expansion, with 44 new airports planned to further enhance connectivity.
⏳ Time Machine
How today’s news fits into the bigger picture
April 2017
UDAN scheme launch
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was launched to enhance regional air connectivity, subsidizing flights to underserved airports and making air travel affordable for the common citizen.
March 2020
COVID-19 travel halt
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought air travel to a near standstill, severely impacting the aviation sector, leading to financial distress for airlines and airport operators.
August 2023
Record passenger traffic
Indian domestic air passenger traffic surged to record levels, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers and highlighting the urgent need for increased airport capacity and better connectivity.
February 2025
New aviation policy draft
The Ministry of Civil Aviation released a draft National Civil Aviation Policy focusing on sustainable growth, , and developing India as a global aviation hub, setting the stage for future expansion.
Last Week (July 2026)
Amritsar immigration trial
Air India initiated a trial service from Amritsar, allowing passengers to complete immigration and customs there for connecting international flights via Delhi, testing the 'spoke' concept.
Today
The government announced plans to develop 44 new airports operating under a 'Hub and Spoke' model to boost global connectivity.
What happens next?
Identified locations for new airports will proceed with funding and infrastructure development, with airlines expanding networks to utilize new 'spoke' connections.
India's government has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop 44 new airports across the country, focusing on a 'Hub and Spoke' model to boost global air connectivity. This strategy involves smaller regional airports (spokes) connecting to larger international airports (hubs) like Delhi and Amritsar. Air India has already launched new services under this model from Amritsar, allowing passengers to clear immigration and customs there before taking connecting international flights via Delhi. This move is designed to make international travel more accessible from non-metro cities, reduce travel time, and strengthen India's position as a global aviation hub, aligning with the UDAN scheme's goals of regional connectivity.
💭 If you're wondering…
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a regional airport development and 'Regional Connectivity Scheme' (RCS) of the Indian government with the objective of 'letting the common citizen of the country fly' by making air travel affordable and widespread.
Did this story help?
Official sources
Knowledge Chain — tap a concept