The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will add 160 aircraft parking bays at 27 airports over a span of two years for enhanced air connectivity. The capacity expansion will support domestic airlines which are adding aircraft to meet their growing operational and commercial requirements.

By the end of 2023, 104 bays will be constructed at 16 airports and in 2024, an additional 56 bays will be constructed at 11 airports. The bays are suitable for Code ‘C’ type of aircraft ranging from ATR-72 to Airbus A321.

The airports at Amritsar, Goa (Dabolim), Kolkata and Patna will see addition of aircraft bays, with Amritsar and Kolkata airports expected to see the increase in 2023. Goa and Patna airports will get new parking bays next year.

Further, in FY24, the domestic airlines are expected to induct around 100 planes.

Other airports set for additional parking bays include Leh, Raipur and Tirupati, as well as airfields in Datia, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Solapur in Maharashtra. The tier-II airports will see capacity addition, and aid the government’s regional connectivity scheme.

AAI achieved its highest-ever capital expenditure of Rs 5,175 crore in FY23, for utilising in expanding airport facilities, upgrading technology and improving operational efficiency.