Crisil, a top credit rating agency, has said that small private airports in India will increase their spending on development by 50 to 60 percent over the next three years. This rise in capital expenditure (capex) will help improve airport infrastructure, expand facilities, and handle more passengers and flights.
According to Crisil, private airport operators plan to invest more money in building new terminals, upgrading runways, and improving passenger services. These small airports play a growing role in connecting smaller cities across India, and the government’s push for regional air travel has encouraged operators to expand their facilities.
Crisil’s report shows that many of these airports are already seeing more foot traffic and flight operations. To keep up with rising demand, operators must increase their investment and speed up construction and expansion work. Crisil added that airport developers also plan to buy new equipment and upgrade technology to improve safety and efficiency.
The report mentioned that India’s UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), which promotes affordable regional flights, has supported this growth. As more people travel by air, small airports must handle more flights and passengers. Crisil believes that this growth will continue, and private operators must prepare by spending more on infrastructure.
Most of the planned capex will go into non-metro airports run through public-private partnerships. These airports will need better facilities to meet higher standards and improve the passenger experience. Crisil said that operators will likely fund this spending through a mix of private investment and government support.
Experts believe this rise in airport spending will also benefit related industries like construction, logistics, and aviation services. As more airports grow, they will create jobs and boost local economies.
Crisil’s forecast highlights the important role small airports will play in India’s aviation future. With more investment, these airports can improve air travel for millions of people and connect more regions across the country.