Adani targets extra flying rights for an $11bn airport expansion, seeking to boost traffic and global hub connectivity.
Adani Airport Holdings is urging the central government to grant additional flying rights to international airlines. The move aims to increase traffic across eight airports where the group is investing 11.1 billion dollars by 2030 to upgrade runways, aircraft-handling facilities, and terminals.
The proposal contrasts with the positions of IndiGo and Air India, which have called for a cautious approach to opening local skies. However, Adani Airport Holdings has requested negotiations with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia to increase entitlements. This expansion is viewed as a vital step in transforming Indian financial hubs into global aviation centres similar to Dubai or Singapore.
Operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced on 25 December 2025. This new facility is expected to play a critical role in alleviating congestion and enhancing capacity for time-sensitive cargo and passenger movements. Between 25 December 2025 and 30 December 2025, the airport handled over 25,000 passengers and 162 scheduled movements, demonstrating a steady start for the hub.
International flying rights are currently allocated on a reciprocal basis, with many routes, such as those to Dubai, remaining unchanged since 2014. With entitlements exhausted and demand rising, the push for additional rights is seen as a necessary measure to increase belly-cargo availability and manage rising freight and ticket costs. Jeet Adani, Director at Adani Airport Holdings, confirmed the massive investment is designed to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with this projected growth.
SOURCE – BUSINESS STANDARD
