The number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase this number to 350-400 by 2047, majority of which are Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
India’s aviation growth story is no longer limited to metros.
Tier-2 airports are fast becoming enablers of regional transformation connecting smaller cities to business hubs, tourism circuits, and global trade routes.
And the impact goes far beyond passenger traffic.
Cities like Dehradun, Ranchi, Surat, Bagdogra, Coimbatore, and Indore have seen direct economic benefits after the expansion of air connectivity.
Tourism has increased. Real estate has picked up.
And sectors like hospitality, logistics, and local manufacturing are experiencing fresh momentum.
Improved air access has also made these regions more attractive for conferences, exports, talent migration, and new investments.
For businesses ready to look beyond saturated metros, this is where the next corridors of growth are taking shape at 30,000 feet and counting.
