The ministry of civil aviation is planning to invite private sector participation for the development of dedicated airports in places of tourist interest, reports Our Economy Burueau.
"The private player can build and operate a small airport which can cater to either scheduled or charter flights as the case may be. The investor can also develop specific areas of tourist interest," civil aviation secretary K. Roy Paul said.
Speaking on the sidelines of an aviation seminar organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Roy Paul added that the ministry was trying to expedite the process of privatisation of the non-metros airports as well.
He said though no decision had been taken as yet on the equity holding pattern of these airports, it was likely that the government would have a larger share in these airports in comparison with the metro airports.
Earlier addressing the seminar the civil aviation minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain announced the relaxation of rules regarding charter flights.
He said people holding Indian passports would be allowed to travel on the charters. He also said the flights would be allowed to land and take-off from any airport having immigration facilities.
Speaking on the metro airport privatisation issue Hussain said the minister was going to give its proposal to the cabinet soon.
He added that the fleet acquisition proposal of the two national carriers, Indian Ailrines and Air-India, had already been sent to the cabinet committee on security.
Inaugurating the seminar deputy prime minister L.K. Advani suggested that there should be an integrated policy of tourism and aviation.
He called for synergisation of the activities of the government and private players to boost tourism and civil aviation in the country.
© 2026