India Preps World-Class Airport for 2030 Commonwealth Games

India is transforming its aviation infrastructure in a big way, starting with a complete upgrade of Ahmedabad's airport before the city welcomes the world for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the ambitious project at an aviation summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Planning is already underway, with construction set to begin soon to ensure the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport meets world-class standards.

But Ahmedabad isn't the only city getting aviation love. The government is upgrading airports in Keshod and Deesa, while the new Dholera airport will become more than just a travel hub. It's being designed as a complete aviation manufacturing ecosystem where planes and parts built locally will connect directly to global markets.

The upgrades come at a perfect time. India has grown from 74 airports to 165 in recent years, with cities like Delhi and Mumbai already operating second airports. Yet there's a challenge: not enough aircraft to serve all these new destinations.

That's where India's growing aircraft leasing industry comes in. The country has quietly become a serious player, with 38 registered lessors managing 370 aircraft worth $5.8 billion as of December 2025. Nearly 85% of India's airline fleet is leased rather than owned, making this industry crucial for growth.

The government made it easier by ratifying the Cape Town Convention, boosting India's compliance scores and offering tax holidays. The result? Major airlines are now leasing hundreds of planes through India's GIFT City financial hub instead of going to Dublin, Singapore, or Dubai.

Air India is leasing 75 aircraft locally, while IndiGo will lease 150 next year. Even smaller carriers like Star Air and Akasa Air are joining in, keeping billions of dollars in aviation financing within India.

The Ripple Effect

These improvements reach far beyond airport terminals. In just two weeks, India's first seaplane service will connect Kochi to the beautiful Lakshadweep islands, opening tourism and emergency access to remote communities. The government learned from an earlier failed attempt and solved the technical challenges.

The UDAN scheme, which brings air service to underserved regions, just got renewed for another decade with $29,000 crore in government investment. That means 100 new airports and 200 heliports, especially in northeastern states that have historically lacked connectivity.

India's domestic aviation sector already ranks third globally. Now the entire aviation ecosystem is racing to match that achievement, connecting millions more people to opportunities, family, and experiences they couldn't reach before.

The world comes to Ahmedabad in 2030, but millions of Indians are already taking flight.