India to double airport numbers to over 200: Minister

He also talked about the Centre’s plan to set up at least one heliport in each district in collaboration with states and UTs. The states should provide capital support for this initiative, said the minister on the issue of seaplanes. He also appealed to states and UTs to cut down the VAT on aviation fuel as it majorly contributes to the operational cost of the flights.

Addressing a conference of the ministers of civil aviation from states and UTs on Friday, union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that the government is planning to double the total number of airports in the country to 200 by the end of 2023-24.

He also talked about the Centre’s plan to set up at least one heliport in each district in collaboration with states and UTs.

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The states should provide capital support for this initiative, said the minister on the issue of seaplanes.

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He also appealed to states and UTs to cut down the VAT on aviation fuel as it majorly contributes to the operational cost of the flights.

State government’s levied VAT rates on jet fuel in India, which is one of the highest makes the overall cost of airline operations high.

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According to industry estimates, ATF prices constitute over 40 per cent of total operating cost of domestic carriers and this was 70 per cent higher than the global average.

Furthermore, Scindia said that the sector has a large cost-benefit ratio and also huge employment potential.

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On the issue of drones, he said that rules have been framed for promoting the sector and that the 'Production Linked Initiative' scheme will provide a further push.

In addition, he called upon the states and UTs to facilitate new airports by swiftly handling the land allotment issues.

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