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Airports

Operational Airports in India 2025: Overview and State-wise Breakdown

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, with over 160 operational airports across the country. The government is investing in developing world-class airport infrastructure, with a vision to make air travel affordable and accessible to the masses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian carriers have placed orders for over 2,000 new aircraft, indicating a significant growth in the aviation sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • There are currently 162 operational airports in India, with the government planning to develop more through the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008.
  • Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of operational airports at 17, followed by Maharashtra with 15 and Gujarat with 13.
  • The Regional Connectivity Scheme -- Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) was launched in 2016 to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable.
  • The handling capacity of airports has reached 500 million passengers annually, indicating a significant growth in air travel demand.
  • Indian carriers have placed orders for over 2,000 new aircraft, indicating a significant growth in the aviation sector.
  • The government is investing in developing world-class airport infrastructure to meet the growing demand for air travel.
  • The state-wise breakdown of operational airports in India shows that Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of operational airports at 17, followed by Maharashtra with 15 and Gujarat with 13.
  • The Regional Connectivity Scheme -- Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) has resulted in the operation of 28 RCS routes in the country, connecting regional airports with major hubs.
  • The government's focus on developing airport infrastructure and enhancing regional air connectivity is expected to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities in the aviation sector.

Statistics:

  • Total operational airports in India: 162 [1]
  • Highest number of operational airports in India: Uttar Pradesh with 17 [2]
  • Number of operational airports in Maharashtra: 15 [2]
  • Number of operational airports in Gujarat: 13 [2]
  • Total aircraft orders placed by Indian carriers: over 2,000 [3]
  • Number of RCS routes operational in the country: 28 [4]
  • Annual handling capacity of airports: 500 million passengers [5]
  • Date of launch of Regional Connectivity Scheme -- Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN): October 21, 2016 [6]

Sources:

  • [1] Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State (MoS), Civil Aviation, Lok Sabha, July 31, 2025.
  • [2] Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State (MoS), Civil Aviation, Lok Sabha, July 31, 2025.
  • [3] Prime Minister Narendra Modi, World Air Transport Summit, June 2025.
  • [4] Ministry of Civil Aviation, Lok Sabha, July 31, 2025.
  • [5] Prime Minister Narendra Modi, World Air Transport Summit, June 2025.
  • [6] Ministry of Civil Aviation, Lok Sabha, July 31, 2025.

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