Image credit: ANI
Switzerland: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced plans to develop 50 new airports across India and establish Delhi as a major international aviation hub within the next five years. The minister shared this update while speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“We have become the 3rd largest domestic aviation network. Now the whole world is looking at India on how to improve their own aviation networks,” said Naidu.
International Collaboration and Investment
Highlighting the importance of international partnerships, Naidu stated, “We are exploring global partnerships to bring advanced technologies and innovative passenger services to India. Many international players are keen to invest in this fast-growing sector.”
Delhi as a Key Global Aviation Hub
The government aims to make Delhi a global aviation hub by 2027.
Naidu elaborated, “We are engaging with airlines and international stakeholders to build a robust transit network. India’s strategic location, catering to both Eastern and Western markets, makes it ideal for this transformation.”
Efforts are also underway to strengthen the hub-and-spoke model for improved connectivity. “We’re working with domestic and international airlines to establish seamless transitions. Proactive steps are being taken in collaboration with other ministries, including Home Affairs, to achieve this vision,” Naidu explained.
Focus on Sustainability
The minister also highlighted plans for adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce carbon emissions. “We aim to achieve 1% blending of SAF for international flights by 2027, rising to 5% by 2030, and produce 5 million tonnes of SAF within this decade,” he said.
Growing Global Interest
Naidu noted growing interest from global investors and leaders in India’s aviation growth. “There was a lot of interest, a lot of enthusiasm,” he remarked.
“India is located at a position where it can cater for the East and the West of the world,” he added, emphasizing the country’s strategic advantage.
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