Benchmarking for Accessibility and Connectivity of Indian Airports

Abstract

Purpose of the study:Since 2015, International aviation sector has witnessed an exceptional transformation of Indian air transport with a growth rate of 15-20%. It is also predicted to maintain a similar trend for not less than 4-5 years. However, transporting 400-500 million people a year with the existing facilities and infrastructure will inversely affect the sector. Thus we require an efficient and well-equipped airport network throughout the country to cater the needs of the future demand. Benchmarks are said to be the vital part of every planning standards and processes.
 Methodology:Study focuses on 109 airports of India (including upcoming airports in UDAN) and covers a critical evaluation of airport to airport connection as well as airport accessibility to and fro. This paper analyses all the benchmarking parameters, namely ‘indicators’, those influence connectivity and accessibility of these airports.
 Main Findings:Using statistical tools, it evaluates the existing air network, makes a comparative investigation and models the entire network to frame individual and overall benchmarks. Based on these benchmarks, study recommends adopting few strategies for the next 5 years to address the increasing demand.
 Implications: Study brings about a healthy competition among airports to resolve their shortcomings. It can boost up demand shift from other modes to air transport.
 Applications of this study:The methodology may be followed to set Benchmarksof any networks based on the relevant parameters.
 Novelty/Originality of this study:Airports in India are given different indices and ranks on the connectivity and accessibility parameters, so that their performance is analysed in the global network.

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“…According to India's IATA's 20-year passenger data, it predicted 190 million passengers in 2015-16 whilst it achieved 223 million (Jose & Ram, 2018). Further, IATA Report, 2017 has predicted 278 million passengers in 2025-26.…”