India Infrastructure Series: Airports - Shaping the Next Phase of Economic Growth

India’s robust and evolving infrastructure story is propelling its economic transformation. Strong policy support, significant investments, and rapid urbanisation are reshaping the economy and creating new opportunities across sectors. The aviation industry is pivotal in this shift, driving connectivity and real estate development.

With over 200 operational metro airports projected by 2030 and ~USD 23 billion currently backing airport and aviation-related projects alongside supportive initiatives such as UDAN, airports are fast-evolving from transit points to full-scale urban ecosystems. This evolution is consequently spurring growth across the hospitality, logistics, commercial, retail, and mixed-use development sectors.

To explore such trends, CBRE Research introduces the India Infrastructure Series, where we highlight key sectors catalysing the country's progress. Our first edition focuses on airports’ growing role as economic anchors. Our future editions will examine other infrastructure pillars scripting the next phase of growth.

Key insights of the report:

- USD 53.6 billion contribution to GDP in 2023; third-largest air transport market globally

- 159 operational airports today; 14 under public-private-partnership models
- Aerocity models in Delhi and Hyderabad showcase thriving airport-led hubs

To understand how airports are redefining the country’s real estate and economic landscape, please click on the download button.