‘Govt initiative to begin ops in 100 regional airports will improve cargo flow’

Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight said, “While Tier 1 and metro areas have historically seen the majority of air traffic, there has been a slight diversification over the past eight to nine years. The top six metro areas’ overall air traffic share in India has decreased from 69 per cent in FY 13 to 63 per cent in FY 21, with smaller airports taking up an increasing percentage of the total each year. Initiatives that have led to this are: growing number of smaller airports, initiative of the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation to expand and modernise the nation’s aviation network, particularly in Tier 2+ cities, expansion of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN to 1,000 routes and 100 airports, government initiative to begin operations in 100 additional airports in the upcoming five years and creating an ecosystem that will support the expansion of Indian carriers by assisting them in growing their current fleets and creating a welcoming environment for cargo operations in India.”