The central government has initiated consultations to lease over 10 airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, sources revealed. This move is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance airport infrastructure and efficiency through private sector participation.
The proposed leasing is expected to follow the successful PPP model previously implemented for airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The government aims to attract private investment to modernize these airports, improve passenger services, and boost operational efficiency while retaining strategic oversight.
Sources indicate that discussions are in the early stages, and specific airports to be included in the next round of privatization are yet to be finalized. The selected airports will likely be those with high passenger traffic and revenue potential, ensuring significant private sector interest.
The AAI has previously leased airports such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru to private operators. The latest round of privatization is expected to build on these past experiences, with the government focusing on long-term development and economic growth.
Privatization under the PPP model allows for improved airport infrastructure, enhanced service quality, and better management efficiency while enabling the AAI to generate revenue through lease agreements. The government is expected to outline specific terms and conditions for the new airport leases in the coming months.
With India’s aviation sector witnessing rapid growth, this initiative is expected to further strengthen the country’s airport infrastructure, attract foreign investments, and improve the overall passenger experience. The final decision on the selection of airports and the bidding process will be made after extensive stakeholder consultations.
