STN: The Adani Group has announced a major investment plan focused on India’s airport sector. Over the next five years, Adani will invest ₹95,000 to ₹96,000 crore in developing airport infrastructure and related real estate. This move highlights the group’s long-term commitment to the aviation ecosystem in India.
Currently, the Adani Group operates seven airports in India. These include Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to open by October this year and will join the group’s airport portfolio.
Why Adani Invest in Airports
According to Jeet Adani, who leads the group’s airport business, India presents enough growth potential for the company to stay focused domestically. He said there are no immediate plans to expand operations outside India. The company believes the Indian aviation sector will grow rapidly over the next decade. More than 25 airports have already been identified for development under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The Adani invest in airports strategy covers both infrastructure and real estate projects. The biggest part of this investment will go into Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mumbai Airport.
Key Projects Under the Adani Airport Plan
At Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), Adani has combined Phase I and Phase II. The airport will start operations with a capacity of 2 crore passengers annually. This phase required ₹19,000 crore in investment.
Plans are already underway for a second terminal (T2) at Navi Mumbai. It could have a capacity of either 3 crore or 5 crore passengers annually, with investment needs ranging between ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 crore. The final decision on capacity will be made soon. Construction of T2 is expected to begin within 6 to 12 months.
The total investment at NMIA to reach its full capacity of 9 crore passengers annually is expected to touch ₹1 lakh crore. In Mumbai, a new Terminal 1 (T1) will be built by 2032, with a budget of ₹5,000 crore.
Other Planned Airport Developments
The group is also planning new terminals in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Thiruvananthapuram within the next four years. In Lucknow, the newly built terminal will be expanded. At Guwahati Airport, a new terminal is ready and is expected to be operational by October–November.
How Will the Adani Group Fund This Investment?
The group will use its own equity for part of the investment. It will also refinance NMIA. Existing lenders have shown interest in participating in future funding rounds. Adani’s approach is to invest early in infrastructure, based on confidence in the growth of Indian cities and the aviation sector.
Strategic Focus on Indian Aviation
The group believes that India’s aviation ecosystem needs better integration between airlines and airports. Currently, a large number of international passengers from India travel through hubs in the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Adani wants to change that by improving domestic airport infrastructure.
The company maintains good relationships with IndiGo and the Tata Group, which operate key airlines in India. Jeet Adani said the group has asked these airlines to include Adani Airports in their long-term planning.
Conclusion
As Adani invest in airports, the focus is on building capacity, improving connectivity, and supporting long-term economic growth in Indian cities. With over ₹96,000 crore earmarked for development, the group is positioning itself as a major player in India’s aviation future.
