India’s aviation sector is enjoying a steady growth. Passenger output rose to 144 million in FY 2011 from 73 million in FY 2006, as per a joint study by FICCI– KPMG (2012). This positive growth path can be attributed to the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007–2012). This period witnessed the completion of four international airport projects through the public–private partnership (PPP) mode; it was also during this period that five Indian carriers began to function on international routes.

   Air transport in India today supports 56.6 million jobs and produces over US$ 2.2 trillion of the global gross domestic product (GDP). Air passenger traffic is also increasing at a healthy rate, a development driven by modern facilities and infrastructure. The Centre had set aside an investment of US$ 12.1 billion in the airports sector during the 12th Five-Year Plan period, of which US$ 9.3 billion is projected to come from India’s private....