India has primarily invested in developing regional airports and connectivity across the nation of 1.393 billion. Now travelers prefer to travel by air than train for even short journeys. The market is ripe for growth and continued demand with a booming low-cost aviation market, along with full-service carriers such as Vistara (soon to be merged into Tata's Air India).

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently opened the new Manohar International Airport (GOX) in Goa, destined to become Goa's second airport, further proving India's commitment to regional and international connectivity. The country's UDAN scheme aims to connect underserved and regional airports. Before the scheme's implementation, India had around 400 unserved and 16 under-served airports. Capped airfares are at IN ₹2,500 ($30) for every 30 minutes in a flight at a maximum of ₹5,000 ($60) for flights over 60 minutes.

Tails of Indian aircraft parked at Delhi airport
Photo: Getty Images

India's government has provided the opportunity for air travel with its UDAN scheme (which symbolizes 'Let the common citizens of the country fly'), which is geared up for regional connectivity. With India's booming population and subsidies through the scheme, 72 new airports have been constructed across India. Pre-pandemic, there were more than 14 crores (140 million) annual passengers, compared to 6 crores (60 million) in 2000. ​​​​​Prime Minister Modi commented on the scheme:

''Because of these measures, India has become the world’s third-largest aviation market''

Growth of operational airports in India

Since implementing the scheme, India has grown its operational airports from 74 to 140 since 2014. The Prime Minister has laid out strong expectations from regional governments to encourage regional growth in aviation. The easing of visas for international travelers and the modernization of aviation infrastructure has improved the nation's connectivity with the world.

Prime Minister Modi has acknowledged that tourism has the most significant potential for employment, and investment in highways, airports, and other national projects, directly and indirectly employing workers and driving economic growth.

Delhi Airport is one of the busiest in the country
Photo: Getty Images

Goa's new Airport

Indian airline IndiGo has already jumped at the opportunity to operate from Goa's second Airport, announcing the intent to operate 168 weekly flights starting next month. IndiGo will continue to operate from Dabolim Airport (GOI), the original Airport, which will now be complemented with additional flights from the new Mopa International Airport (GOX), the new Airport in North Goa.

IndiGo's new flights out of the Airport in Mopa will connect Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Pune (PNQ), Jaipur (JAI), Ahmedabad (AMD), and Hyderabad (HYD).

Indian airline Go First will also start three new destinations from Mopa on January 5th, connecting Bangalore (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), and Mumbai (BOM).

Oman Air also plans to connect with Mopa. Starting in February, the Middle Eastern airline will connect with Muscat International Airport (MCT).

Sources: Times of India, Livemint