The Indian Civil Aviation ministry is all set to convert major airports in India into aerospace hubs, starting with Delhi airport. The ministry has begun assessing the possibilities, engaging in talks with stakeholders, and is also looking to hire a consultant, with a report expected in the second half of the year.
The plan is to study the operations at major airport hubs like London, Singapore and Dubai and work along the lines to create something similar. Other important aspects would be airlines, fleet and domestic and international connectivity.
The Ministry is also considering aggressive growth plan of India airlines like Air India and IndiGo to help out with the task of converting Indian airports into aerospace hubs.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is now looking for other roles as India’s airports are being handed over to private owners to manage operations. The Indian government is keen on leasing 25 AAI-owned airports to private players in the next few years.
The AAI is now looking to work under private owners to deploy its workforce for roles they have carried out for several years. Hopefully, such collaboration will result in more efficiently run airports in the country.