How Many International Airports in India

Introduction

An Airport is an aerodrome with extended facilities primarily for commercial air transport. It usually consists of a landing area that comprises an aerially accessible open space including at least one operationally active surface such as a runway for a plane to take off and land. Air transport is one of the fastest modes of transport that has reduced distances and time of travelling. An International Airport is an airport with border control facilities allowing passengers to travel between countries around the world.

History

Hounslow Heath Aerodrome, located in London, England, made history in August 1919 by becoming the first airport to offer scheduled international commercial services. However, its reign as the premier international airport was short-lived, as it was closed down by Croydon Airport in March 1920. The title of the first International Airport in the Americas, meanwhile, belongs to Douglas Municipal Airport in Arizona, which opened its doors in 1928.

During the early days of international airports, infrastructure was limited, and if an aircraft encountered engine problems, there were plenty of places to make an emergency landing. These airports also served dual purposes, catering to both military and commercial interests, and their viability was often affected by technological advancements. A prime example of this is Canton Island Airport in the Phoenix Islands (Kiribati), which served as a military airport during World War II and later became a refuelling stop for industrial aircraft. These early airports have a rich history, as they played a crucial role in shaping the way we travel today.

What is an International Airport?

International airports are the gateways to the world, providing travelers with the means to journey from one country to another. These facilities are generally larger than domestic airports and boast longer runways to accommodate heavy aircrafts like the Boeing 747, which are typically used for international and intercontinental travel. Since the mid-twentieth century, international airports have evolved to become highly sophisticated operations, with intricate buildings, management systems and procedures.

The sheer scale and complexity of these structures, which handle thousands, if not millions, of passengers and flights, make them some of the most complex and interconnected structures on the planet. Some international airports are also designated as hubs, where non-direct flights can land and passengers can switch planes, while others primarily handle direct point-to-point flights. This distinction affects the design factors of the airport, including the number and placement of terminals, and the flow of passengers and baggage between different areas of the airport. International airports also require the management of various logistics operations, such as air-traffic control.

The construction and operation of an international airport is a complex undertaking, involving a multitude of factors such as technology, politics, economy, geography and local and international laws. Some international airports, like Hong Kong International Airport, also require the construction of additional infrastructures outside of the airport, such as high-speed railways and expressways to connect the airport to urban areas. These are some of the most ambitious and challenging engineering projects in the world and require the coordination of many different stakeholders.

Different International Airports in India

International Airports in India are managed by the AAI. AAI is the Airports Authority of India. The Airports Authority of India provides Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS) over the entire Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas. To ensure the safety of Aircraft operations, It also provides ground installations at all Airports. In India, there are a total of 487 airports out of which AAI manages a total of 137 airports which include 29 International Airports (3 Civil Enclaves), 10 Customs airports (4 Civil Enclaves), and Domestic airports (23 Civil Enclaves).

International Airports in India with their locations

Social benefits of Air transport

1. Air transport helps in improving the quality of life by broadening people’s leisure and cultural experiences.

2. Air transport provides the only means of transportation in remote areas, thus promoting social inclusion.

3. It also contributes to sustainable development. It helps in facilitating tourism and trade, generating economic growth, providing jobs, increasing revenues from taxes, and fostering the conservation of protected areas.

4. It facilitates the delivery of emergency and humanitarian aid relief anywhere on earth.

5. It ensures the swift delivery of medical supplies and organs for transplantation.

Economic Benefits of Air transport

1. Air transport provides the only worldwide transportation network, which makes it essential for global business and tourism.

2. The air transport industry generates 29 million jobs globally (through direct, indirect, induced, and catalytic impacts).

3. Air transport’s global economic impact is estimated at US$ 2,960 billion, equivalent to 8% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

4. 25% of all companies’ sales depend on air transport. 70% of businesses report that serving a bigger market is a key benefit of using air services.

Notes -

• There are a total of 34 operational International Airports in India.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport is the largest Airport in India located in New Delhi. It is constructed on 5495 acres. It is also considered as the busiest airport in India. It is named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. The Indian Air Force operated the airport before its management was transferred to the Airports Authority of India. The Indira Gandhi International Airport was rated as the Best Airport in the world in the 25–40 million passengers category in 2015, by Airports Council International.

• Juhu Aerodrome, Mumbai is the first and oldest Airport in India. It was established in 1928.

• Calicut International Airport, Kerala recently added to the list of International Airports in India.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is in Mumbai, Maharashtra.