Tag Archives: Indian aviation

Believing that more competition will make air travel cheaper, KR Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister, GoI, said that the govt wants more airlines in India and doesn’t want a duopoly situation. We are facilitating new airlines to come in even if they are looking to start with one or two aircraft and are ready to provide support and aid to them to start their business, he said.

Uttar Pradesh’s upcoming airport Noida International Airport (DXN) will commence commercial flights to domestic and international destinations on 17 April 2025. Airlines have submitted applications for international destinations, with route approvals contingent on bilateral licensing agreements.

Noida International Airport is prepared to take off promising a significant boost to tourism in the region. The upcoming launch of the airport marks a major milestone for Indian aviation, enhancing connectivity and passenger comfort. Noida International Airport (NIA) continues to make significant strides towards its operational launch, with construction activities proceeding at a rapid pace. The airport, slated to commence commercial operations by the end of April 2025, is set to play an inflectional role in the growth of Indian aviation. Constructions Headway Passenger Terminal: The passenger terminal is taking shape, with work on facades and roof well underway. The installation of the baggage handling system is nearing completion, while MEP and finishing works are progressing steadily. Runway: The asphalt works on the runway have been successfully completed. Focus is now on runway markings, approach lights, and airfield ground lighting. Air Traffic Control: MEP works and finishing works are in progress at the ATC Tower. Navigational aids like DVOR have been calibrated, and preparations for Instrument Landing System (ILS) calibration are underway. Partnerships and Operations Take Flight Airlines Onboard: IndiGo and Akasa Air have signed MoUs with NIA, and discussions on network planning and operational requirements are ongoing. Strong interest from other domestic and international carriers is evident. Concessions Awarded: Key aero concessions, including into-plane fuelling services, ground handling, and cargo, have been awarded. Non-aero concessions for retail, dining, lounge, duty-free, and hotel have also been signed. Seamless Passenger Journey: Factory acceptance tests for key airport systems are complete, and equipment has started arriving on site. Check-in kiosks, self-service bag drops, and e-gates are being tested. Operational Readiness: Agreements for crucial operational and maintenance services, including airfield lighting, passenger …

According to RBI, “40 scheduled banks have cumulatively doubled their lending to the aviation sector in January at ₹45,076 crore, as against ₹23,407 crore three years ago. Investments from other sources stood at ₹27,824 crore in January 2023, up 62% year-on-year, and continued to rise gradually during FY24. Industry analysts attribute this surge in investments to the following factors, among others.”

Minister of State, MoCA, Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) said, “Before Covid-19 pandemic, India was one of the fastest growing aviation market in the world. During the six-year period i.e. 2014-15 to 2019-20, Indian airports witnessed robust double-digit Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12.4% in terms of total passenger traffic. Post-Covid, Indian aviation industry is again on the growth trajectory and the total passenger traffic has recovered to the tune of 96% during 2022-23, as compared to pre-covid.”

`In its latest analysis on the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, CAPA India has said that the government and industry will need to collaborate to rethink and redesign aviation sector to emerge from the crisis and move towards a sustainable future. The report explains, “The current crisis should be used to initiate structural changes for the long-term viability of the sector. The industry will need to make some hard choices. Airlines will need to restructure their businesses to become leaner and reduce costs, whilst also increasing the strategic deployment of technology and analytics to enhance revenue and improve efficiency.”