In an exclusive interaction, Dr. Vandana Singh, Chairperson of Aviation Cargo at the Federation of Aviation Industry India (FAII), sheds light on the transformative role of regional airports in shaping the future of India’s aviation landscape. With the rapid expansion of connectivity through government initiatives like UDAN and a surge in cargo movement from Tier II and III cities, Dr. Singh highlights how these smaller airports are not just decongesting metro hubs but are emerging as vital nodes for economic growth, job creation, and last-mile delivery. She also discusses the critical challenges faced by these airports and the structural reforms needed to fully unlock their potential in the evolving air cargo ecosystem.
1. How do regional airports contribute to the overall growth and connectivity of India’s aviation sector?
Since 2014, India doubled its operational airports from 74 to 157 (as of 2024), with the UDAN scheme activating 601 routes and 86 aerodromes—including airports, heliports, and water aerodromes—facilitating over 1.44 crore regional passengers across 2.8 lakh flights. This expansion helped India become the world’s 3rd-largest domestic aviation market, and by 2047, the aim is to grow to 350–400 operational airports. Regional airports ease congestion at metro hubs while enriching connectivity in underserved regions—vital for inclusive economic growth.
2. What role do you see regional airports playing in boosting cargo logistics and facilitating last-mile delivery across India?
Cargo handling capacity at regional airports is rising impressively. For instance, Guwahati (LGBI) Airport saw cargo volume jump from 4,550 MT in FY 2023 to 12,893 MT in 2024—a striking 183.9 % year‑on‑year rise. Meanwhile, airports like Bhubaneswar (Biju Patnaik) handled 9,086 MT of cargo in FY 2024–25, marking a 7.9 % growth. These numbers reflect regional airports emerging as mini cargo hubs, significantly improving access for time-sensitive goods and boosting last-mile delivery in Tier II and III cities.
3. In your view, what are the key challenges regional airports face, and how can they be addressed to improve their operational efficiency?
Primary challenges include underdeveloped infrastructure (e.g., cargo terminals, scanners), limited digital integration, and fluctuating route viability—approximately 44 % of UDAN routes were discontinued by mid-2023 due to low demand. Bridging these gaps requires targeted public-private investments in cargo facilities, seamless digital platforms for airway logistics, and policy support—like viability gap funding and tax breaks under UDAN —to stabilize operations and attract cargo carriers.
4. How can regional airports support the government’s vision of enhancing regional economic development and creating employment opportunities?
Regional airports are job creation engines—directly in airport operations, ground handling, and logistics, and indirectly in allied sectors like warehousing, hospitality, and transport. UDAN itself has operationalized ~600 routes and 71 airports, stimulating local tourism and trade receptively. The uplift in cargo handling also boosts regional agriculture and MSME exports, as seen in the push at Trichy Airport to increase from 20 MT to 35 MT daily, supporting around 270 exporters. The ripple effect of connectivity is bolstering regional economies.
5. With the rise of regional air connectivity schemes, what impact do you foresee on the aviation cargo ecosystem at these smaller airports?
As UDAN scales—aiming to add 120 new destinations and carry 40 million additional passengers over the next decade cargo operations are set to grow in tandem. Passenger flights often leave spare belly-hold space, but with dedicated freighter services, mini-cargo hubs, and expanding cold-chain infrastructure, regional airports will facilitate a distributed and resilient air cargo network. The trend at LGBI Airport exemplifies this shift: cargo growth outpacing passenger growth, signaling a structural shift towards cargo-centric operations.
