India Eases Airport Radius Rule for Growth

The Union Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, announced a significant policy shift, stating that the 150 km aerial distance rule, which previously restricted new airport construction near existing ones, will no longer apply once an existing aerodrome's capacity is saturated. This change is intended to encourage the development of second airports in metropolitan areas to address increasing air traffic demand.

In parallel, the Noida International Airport at Jewar is progressing rapidly and is expected to receive its final licensing approvals shortly. The government is targeting its inauguration for late January or early February of 2026. The minister also provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, emphasizing its thorough and professional nature with international cooperation.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to expand airport infrastructure across India, focusing on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, island regions, and northeastern states to cater to both current and future aviation needs. The Bhogapuram Airport in Visakhapatnam is anticipated to open between May and June 2026, with efforts to secure Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence for the inauguration.