India Bets $3 Billion on Regional Aviation as Small Airports Punch Below Their Weight

Key Points

• India is investing $3.1 billion in a second phase of its UDAN regional connectivity scheme to develop 100 airports and 200 helipads over the next decade.
• Major hotel chains including Hyatt, Wyndham, and IHG are expanding their presence in India with new brands and properties tailored to local demand.
• IndiGo has partnered with iPlanet to offer loyalty program members rewards on Apple product purchases, enhancing its customer incentives.

Summary

India is intensifying its investment in regional aviation, allocating $3.1 billion to expand its UDAN scheme and boost connectivity through 100 new airports and 200 helipads over the next ten years. Despite regional airports making up the majority of the country's airports, they currently serve a small fraction of domestic traffic, but recent growth at these sites indicates significant potential. Meanwhile, global hotel companies like Hyatt, Wyndham, and IHG are launching new brands and signing new properties to tap into India's growing travel market, and IndiGo is enhancing its loyalty program by partnering with iPlanet to offer rewards on Apple product purchases.