The Runway to Rejuvenation

As futuristic greenfield Airports rise from empty fields, existing hubs are being reinvented in a breathtaking display of engineering and vision. VISHAL DUGGAL reports on greenfield dreams and brownfield upgrades.

- VISHAL DUGGAL

In 2008, India's aviation map two decades ago was dotted with a sparse network of about 50 operational airports, largely connecting major metros. As of early 2026, that map is transforming into a dense, intricate web of aerial highways with the total operational airports standing at 157, including airports with scheduled commercial flights, as well as those activated under the UDAN scheme for regional connectivity. The government's stated goal is to increase this number to 200 operational airports by 2030, when India is poised to be among the top three global aviation markets.

At the heart of this quiet revolution are two powerful, complementary engines of growth: the birth of brand-new, futuristic Greenfield Airports and the ambitious metamorphosis of existing Brownfield Airports. Together, they are scripting a narrative of a nation preparing for a future written in the skies.

THE GREENFIELD FRONTIER

Greenfield airports are the ultimate expressions of foresight. Built from scratch on undeveloped land, they are unconstrained by the legacy layouts, urban encroachments, and operational compromises of their older counterparts. They embed sustainability, digital integration, and multi-modal connectivity into their very DNA.

A cluster of monumental projects is now on the final approach, set to become operational around 2026. This first wave marks a paradigm shift, moving beyond mere congestion relief to actively reshaping India's economic geography.