Adani Eyes Major Airport Expansion Across India
Adani Enterprises is looking to significantly expand its airport operations in India as part of an investment plan estimated at around $11 billion. The group plans to bid for additional airports being offered for private operation by the government, strengthening its position as the country’s largest airport operator by number of facilities.
Bidding for More Airports
The central government has invited private companies to operate a new set of state-owned airports under long-term lease arrangements. Adani Airports Holdings Limited has indicated it intends to participate in the bidding process for all the airports on offer. Senior executives said the expansion aligns with the group’s long-term strategy to build a nationwide airport network and support India’s rapidly growing aviation market.
Existing Network and Infrastructure Push
Adani currently operates multiple major airports across India and is also preparing to open a new greenfield airport near Mumbai. The group believes rising passenger traffic, increased air connectivity and infrastructure upgrades make airports a strong long-term business opportunity. Despite its aggressive expansion plans in airport operations, the group has ruled out entering the airline business, citing the challenging economics of airline operations.
Funding and Future Plans
To support its expansion, Adani Airports is exploring various funding options, including potential restructuring or a future public listing, though no timeline has been finalised. Executives said investments would focus on modernising airport infrastructure, improving passenger experience and expanding capacity to meet future demand.
The proposed expansion reflects broader trends in India’s aviation sector, which continues to see strong growth in passenger numbers and private investment.
