India’s aviation ambition meets a capacity reality

India’s aviation story continues to be one of rapid demand growth, but the government is acknowledging that airline capacity is not expanding quite as quickly. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said Indian revenue passenger kilometres have grown at a 7.3% CAGR over the past decade, compared with 7% CAGR in available seat kilometres.

The country now has more than 166 operational airports, up from 74 in 2014, with the government targeting 400 airports by 2047. A further 66 airports are under development. India’s airport expansion plan

For airlines, airports, destination marketers and tour operators, the implication is significant: connectivity remains one of the biggest constraints — and opportunities — in India’s next phase of tourism growth. India will also host Routes Asia 2027 from March 16–18, putting the country firmly on the route-development calendar. 

Why B2B should watch: More airports mean more destination opportunities, but the numbers also underline the need for airlines to keep pace with passenger demand.