Archive · 2 Sep 2026
India Plans 100 New Airports Under UDAN Expansion
India wants to build 100 new airports over the next 10 years.
The plan will use a government program called UDAN.
The aviation minister said the project may cost about Rs 30,000 crore.
A related Cabinet-approved version of the program has an outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
India had 74 airports in 2014 and now has 166.
The announcement was made in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad also became the third city with a hub-and-spoke operation, after Varanasi and Amritsar.
This system helps people from smaller cities connect to international flights through larger airports.
The minister said airports must be connected well, not simply built.
India plans to build 100 new airports over the next 10 years under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu estimated the expansion would cost approximately Rs 30,000 crore.
The Union Cabinet approved Modified UDAN for FY 2026-27 through FY 2035-36 with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
Naidu announced the plan in Ahmedabad while inaugurating India’s third hub-and-spoke operation, after Varanasi and Amritsar.
India’s airport count has risen from 74 in 2014 to 166, while the minister said effective domestic and international connections remain a challenge.
- Who
- The Indian government and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.
- What
- A plan to build 100 new airports through the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, alongside the launch of hub-and-spoke operations in Ahmedabad.
- When
- The announcement and Ahmedabad launch took place on Tuesday; Modified UDAN is approved for FY 2026-27 through FY 2035-36.
- Where
- Ahmedabad airport, Gujarat, India, with the broader plan covering locations across India.
- Why
- To respond to rising demand for airports in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, remote and Himalayan regions, and islands, while improving domestic and international connectivity.
- Planned airports
- 100 new airports
- Construction period
- Next 10 years
- Estimated expansion cost
- Approximately Rs 30,000 crore
- Modified UDAN outlay
- Rs 28,840 crore, with budgetary support from the Centre
- Existing airport growth
- From 74 airports in 2014 to 166 currently
- Hub-and-spoke locations
- Ahmedabad is the third location after Varanasi and Amritsar
- Passenger सुविधा
- For qualifying international connections through Delhi, immigration can be completed at Ahmedabad and luggage sent to the final destination
Sources
India To Add 100 Airports By 2036 Under Rs 30,000 Crore UDAN Push
India to Build 100 New Airports Over Next 10 Years
India to Build 100 New Airports in 10 Years: Aviation Minister Naidu
Rs 30,000 Crore Plan: India targets 100 new airports by 2036
