Karan Adani, the Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, provided insights into the Adani Group’s ambitious plans for expansion in the aviation sector. He stated that the Adani Group intends to invest ₹60,000 crore over the next 5-10 years to enhance the infrastructure of seven existing airports in its portfolio. This investment will be split, with ₹30,000 crore allocated to the ‘airside’ improvements over the next five years and the remainder directed towards ‘cityside’ enhancements over the following five to ten years.
Adani Group The ‘airside’ improvements typically refer to upgrades and expansions related to airport runways, taxiways, aprons, and other infrastructure directly involved in aircraft operations. On the other hand, ‘cityside’ developments encompass terminal buildings, parking facilities, access roads, and other amenities catering to passengers and visitors.
Adani highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects at various airports, including the construction of new terminals at Lucknow, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. These developments aim to significantly increase the airports’ capacity, with a target of accommodating 25-30 crore passengers annually by 2040, nearly tripling the current capacity. Adani Group
It’s noteworthy that the ₹60,000 crore capital expenditure mentioned does not include the ₹18,000 crore earmarked for the Phase-I development of the Navi Mumbai airport. This suggests that the total investment in airport infrastructure might actually exceed the stated amount.
Arun Bansal, the Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airports Holdings, emphasized the priority of operationalizing the Navi Mumbai airport and initiating cityside development at the airports. Additionally, he mentioned the group’s international strategy, indicating a selective approach to participating in airport development projects globally, focusing on opportunities that align with the group’s broader interests in ports, transmission, and other sectors. While details about the specific country of interest were not provided, it signifies the Adani Group’s intention to strategically evaluate opportunities for expansion beyond the domestic market.
Arun Bansal, the Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airports Holdings, highlighted the strategic priority of operationalizing the Navi Mumbai airport swiftly and initiating the development of city-side infrastructure at various airports. Additionally, he mentioned the group’s interest in exploring international airport development opportunities, aligning with their broader strategy of diversifying investments across sectors like ports, transmission, and other infrastructure projects. However, specific details about international expansion plans are yet to be disclosed, indicating ongoing evaluation and strategic considerations.
Overall, these statements provide insights into Adani Group’s ambitious vision for expanding and modernizing their airport infrastructure, aiming to meet the growing demands of air travel in India while also signaling their interest in international opportunities.