The aviation sector in India is experiencing significant growth, with the civil aviation minister estimating a need for 4,000 additional planes in the next two decades to meet demand. Currently, Indian airlines operate around 800 planes with orders for over 1,200 more. The minister also mentioned plans to develop 200 more airports in the country in the next 20 years, with air-passenger traffic expected to double in the next five years.
One of the long-term goals for the Indian aviation sector is to design and manufacture planes in India. The recent inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is a step towards this goal, with the aim of creating a Made in India civil aircraft. India has the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, with capacity expected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years, attracting new players like two recently approved airlines.
To support this growth, the Indian government plans to invest $11 billion in airport infrastructure, aiming to have 200 operational airports by 2025. This investment will include the construction of new airports and expansion of existing ones to keep up with the increasing demand for air travel. Airlines like IndiGo are also optimistic about the sector’s growth despite facing quarterly losses, highlighting the need for infrastructure development both on the ground and in the air.
International hotel chain Hilton is expanding its presence in India with the signing of its first property in Udaipur, set to open in 2026. Rajasthan has been a focus for major hotel chains due to its popularity as a wedding destination, with Hilton already operating two hotels in Jaipur. The chain is also planning to open the first Waldorf Astoria in India in Jaipur, as well as the third Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in the country.
In response to the stressful travel environment caused by the pandemic, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai has relaunched its ‘Pawfect’ initiative, which offers emotional support to travelers through trained dogs. The airport aims to provide comfort and reduce travel anxiety for passengers traveling through the airport. Additionally, online travel company Yatra has renewed its partnership with Aramco Asia as a corporate travel management partner, focusing on providing travel logistics for corporate clients.
SriLankan Airlines is launching a new daytime flight between Bangalore and Colombo to target Indian holidaymakers and business travelers. With India being a key source market for Sri Lanka, the airline aims to increase connectivity between the two cities to accommodate the growing number of travelers. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited has also opened a heritage hotel in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, as part of its expansion strategy in the heritage luxury segment, with plans to double its room inventory over the next five years.
