India to Build 50 New Airports, Targets $4 Billion MRO Market by 2031

The Indian government has unveiled an ambitious aviation infrastructure plan that promises to transform the country's aerospace landscape over the next decade. Officials announced that India will construct 50 new airports within the next five years while targeting the development of a USD 4 billion aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market by 2031.

Massive Airport Network Expansion Planned

India currently operates 162 airports across the country, but the government revealed plans to add another 50 facilities by 2030. This expansion would bring the nation's total airport count close to 200 within the next five years, representing a significant leap in aviation infrastructure development.

The airport expansion initiative builds upon the success of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme, which has already launched 619 routes to make air travel more accessible to citizens across different regions. The program has demonstrated the government's commitment to enhancing aviation connectivity throughout the country.

Aviation industry experts noted that India has already commissioned 75 new airports over the past decade, indicating the country's determination to nearly double its airport network between 2025 and 2030. This aggressive expansion strategy aligns with India's broader infrastructure modernization goals and airport real estate boom opportunities emerging across the nation.

MRO Market Poised for Substantial Growth

The maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector represents a crucial component of India's aviation expansion strategy. Industry data revealed that the country's MRO market was valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2021, with projections indicating growth to USD 4 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.9%.

Government officials emphasized that this MRO development push aims to reduce India's dependency on overseas maintenance services by building robust domestic capabilities and infrastructure. The initiative is expected to create significant employment opportunities while keeping aviation maintenance revenues within the country.

Private Sector Leading MRO Investments

Several major airlines have announced substantial investments in MRO facilities. IndiGo revealed plans for a ₹1,100 crore MRO facility in Bengaluru, designed to support both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft while creating over 750 jobs by fiscal 2031.

Air India also disclosed its intention to establish an MRO facility at Kempegowda International Airport, with operations expected to commence by early 2026. These private sector investments demonstrate the industry's confidence in India's aviation growth trajectory.

Strategic Vision for Global Aviation Leadership

Prime Minister Modi and Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu have highlighted these ambitious plans at recent international aviation summits, underscoring India's determination to establish itself as a global aviation infrastructure hub. The strategic vision encompasses both domestic connectivity enhancement and international competitiveness.

The expansion strategy supports projected passenger traffic growth, with experts anticipating a threefold increase over the next 20 years. Current data shows India handled 174 million passengers in 2024, with significant growth potential ahead.

Industry analysts noted that India already ranks as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, contributing 1-1.5% to the national GDP and supporting over 7 million jobs across various sectors.

Economic and Infrastructure Impact

The aviation infrastructure expansion promises multiple benefits for India's economy and connectivity. Enhanced airport networks will provide wider regional access and improved operational efficiency for airlines and passengers alike.

Economic stimulation represents another key advantage, as the expansion will create employment opportunities, foster aerospace manufacturing development, and reduce foreign currency outflows for aircraft maintenance services. The initiative also supports India's industrial smart cities development by enhancing connectivity to manufacturing hubs.

Infrastructure maturity will strengthen airport ecosystems through modern facilities and integrated services, positioning India competitively against established aviation hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and Doha.

Future Outlook and Implementation Strategy

India's aviation blueprint balances greenfield airport projects with brownfield expansions, supporting innovation in smart terminals while expanding the comprehensive MRO ecosystem. The government has indicated that supportive policies and strategic investments will be crucial for achieving both the airport network expansion and the USD 4 billion MRO market goals by the early 2030s.

The aviation sector's growth is expected to have significant implications for infrastructure projects driving real estate development around new airports, creating investment opportunities in surrounding areas.

Transportation connectivity improvements through expanded aviation infrastructure are also likely to benefit smart cities real estate investment prospects as enhanced accessibility typically drives property demand and development.