The Government of India has given the green light to establish 21 new Greenfield Airports across the country. Out of these, 11 airports are already operational, including Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Itanagar, Mopa, and Shivamogga.

Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNagrik) to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for all. Under the scheme, 74 airports, including heliports, water aerodromes, and Greenfield airports, have been operationalized across the country since its inception in 2016.

Moreover, the Government has granted 'In-Principle' approval to transform seven Greenfield airports into international airports, which includes Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra, Karaikal in Puducherry, Jewar (Noida) in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera and Hirasar in Gujarat, and Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken significant steps to attract private investments for airport infrastructure development, allowing 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Greenfield and Brownfield airport projects. Various state governments have also undertaken Greenfield Airport projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode with private investments.

This development marks a substantial boost to the aviation sector, improving air connectivity and facilitating economic growth across the country.