Northern Region: A Powerhouse in India's Aviation Sector

The Northern region of India's aviation sector, led by Airports Authority of India, handles nearly 30% of the country's passenger traffic. Despite challenges like dense fog impacting operations, significant infrastructure expansions are underway, including new terminals in key cities and a greenfield airport project in Kota.

The Northern region remains integral to India's civil aviation landscape, with Airports Authority of India (AAI) projecting unprecedented growth. Nearly 30% of the country's passenger traffic is managed here, underscoring the region's dynamic presence in the aviation sector.

Ajay Kumar Kapur, AAI Regional Executive Director, cited pressing challenges such as dense winter fog, which severely disrupts early morning flights. In response, AAI has implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and uses the Central Air Traffic Flow Management (CATFM) system to mitigate weather disruptions.

Infrastructure development is a key focus, with new terminals at Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Jodhpur's terminal is near completion, while Varanasi's completion is anticipated by early next year. A greenfield airport in Kota and a new terminal at Agra by 2028 highlight ongoing regional connectivity efforts, including the operational Delhi-Hisar-Ayodhya route under RCS-UDAN.