As discussed in our previous post, the number of airports in India has significantly increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024. Looking ahead, the government has set an ambitious goal of expanding the number of airports to between 350 and 400 by 2047.

India is set to witness the launch of several new airports in the coming years, aimed at boosting connectivity and accommodating the growing demand for air travel. Among the upcoming new airports are:

• Jewar International Airport, Noida
• Navi Mumbai International Airport
• Purandar Airport, Pune
• Dhalbhumgarh Airport, Jamshedpur
• Rewa Airport, Madhya Pradesh
• Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Andhra Pradesh
• Kalyani Airport, West Bengal
• Dholera International Airport, Gujarat

These new airports are expected to play a crucial role in improving regional connectivity, driving economic growth, and creating thousands of job opportunities across multiple sectors. From aviation-related roles like ground staff and air traffic controllers to infrastructure development, security, and customer service, the launch of these airports will contribute significantly to India's employment landscape in the coming decades.

Upcoming Major Airports in India: Key Details, Areas, and Future Impact

1. Jewar International Airport, Noida

Area: 1,334 hectares

Airport Code: IATA: DXN

Overview: Jewar International Airport, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is poised to become one of the largest airports in India. With an expected capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually in its first phase, the airport will serve as a hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport is expected to boost the region’s economic development and will feature modern amenities and a cargo terminal. It is expected to reduce congestion at Delhi's IGI Airport.

2. Navi Mumbai International Airport

Area: 1,160 hectares

Airport Code: IATA: NMI

Overview: Navi Mumbai International Airport is located in the coastal city of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. The airport is expected to handle around 12 million passengers annually in its first phase and aims to relieve pressure from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The airport will have world-class facilities, including a cargo terminal and state-of-the-art terminals, and will improve connectivity to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

3. Purandar Airport, Pune

Area: 2,832 acres

Airport Code: IATA: PNQ

Overview: Purandar Airport, located near Pune, Maharashtra, is being developed to ease congestion at Pune Airport. With an area of 2,832 acres, it will have the capacity to handle both domestic and international flights. The airport will provide a much-needed boost to tourism and trade in the region and is expected to significantly improve connectivity to Pune, which is a key industrial and educational hub.

4. Dhalbhumgarh Airport, Jamshedpur

Area: 300 acres

Airport Code: IATA: Not Provided

Overview: Dhalbhumgarh Airport, located in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, is aimed at boosting connectivity to the industrial city. The airport, spanning 300 acres, will primarily cater to domestic flights, facilitating easy access to one of India’s most important industrial and steel-producing centers. It will promote tourism and industrial development in the region.

5. Rewa Airport, Madhya Pradesh

Area: 290 acres

Airport Code: IATA: REW

Overview: Rewa Airport, situated in Madhya Pradesh, is set to enhance connectivity in the central part of India. The 290-acre airport will cater to both domestic and cargo flights. It is expected to improve accessibility to the region’s tourism and agricultural sectors, along with promoting industrial growth.

6. Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Andhra Pradesh

Area: 2,200 acres

Airport Code: IATA: VIZ

Overview: Bhogapuram International Airport, located in Andhra Pradesh, is expected to be one of the largest greenfield projects in the state. Spanning 2,200 acres, the airport is set to handle both international and domestic flights. With world-class infrastructure, it will serve as a key gateway to Andhra Pradesh, boosting tourism, trade, and investment in the region.

7. Kalyani Airport, West Bengal

Area: 1,500 acres

Airport Code: IATA: Not Provided

Overview: Kalyani Airport, situated in West Bengal, is being developed to improve connectivity between Kolkata and nearby regions. With a planned area of 1,500 acres, the airport will serve both domestic and international routes. Its development aims to decongest Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and stimulate regional economic growth.

8. Dholera International Airport, Gujarat

Area: 1,426 hectares

Airport Code: IATA: Not Provided

Overview: Dholera International Airport, located in Gujarat, is part of the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), a key economic zone. Covering 1,426 hectares, the airport will handle both passenger and cargo traffic. It aims to boost industrial and trade activities in Gujarat, serving as a gateway for international business and enhancing regional connectivity. The airport will support the development of the surrounding infrastructure and attract investment.

The launch of a new airport creates a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors. While the exact number of jobs can vary depending on the size and scale of the airport, it typically generates employment for thousands of people.

Here are some of the key job roles that arise:

Aviation Sector:

• Pilots: A pilot operates aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers and cargo.
• Cabin Crew/Air Hostess: Cabin crew are responsible for passenger safety and comfort during flights, providing services like meal service, security checks, and emergency procedures.
• Air Traffic Controllers: These professionals manage air traffic in and around the airport to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers: They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft.
• Ground Staff: This includes baggage handlers, ramp agents, and other personnel involved in ground operations.

Airport Operations:

• Airport Management: This involves roles like airport directors, terminal managers, and operations managers.
• Security Personnel: Airport security officers are responsible for screening passengers and baggage.
• Customer Service Agents: They assist passengers with check-in, boarding, and other queries.
• Retail and F&B Staff: Shops, restaurants, and cafes within the airport create job opportunities for retail staff, chefs, and waitstaff.

Other Sectors:

• IT Professionals: Airport operations rely heavily on technology, creating roles for IT support, network engineers, and cybersecurity experts.
• Finance and Accounting: Financial analysts, accountants, and auditors are needed to manage the airport's finances.
• Marketing and Sales: Marketing and sales professionals promote the airport to airlines, passengers, and businesses.
• Human Resources: HR professionals handle recruitment, training, and employee relations.

Conclusion

The rapid expansion of India's airport infrastructure, with several new airports set to be launched in the coming years, presents a wealth of job opportunities in the aviation sector. As new airports open, they will not only create direct employment in airport operations, ground services, air traffic control, and security but will also stimulate growth in related sectors such as hospitality, retail, logistics, and tourism. From aviation management and customer service roles to technical and engineering positions, the demand for skilled professionals will continue to rise. This growing job market in aviation offers an exciting prospect for individuals looking to build a career in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.