India needs 400 airports, 3,000 aircraft in 10 years: Minister

India needs at least 400 airports and 3,000 aircraft in the next 10 years to keep pace with the growing demand, Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel said in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

He said as the aviation industry has been growing at 18 per cent compound annual growth rate, the country needs up to 3,000 aircraft in 10 years.

He also underscored the need for making air travel safer and more secure. "Our job is not over by creating infrastructure for aviation industry to grow. We need safe and secure aviation. Indian aviation will not grow at the cost of safety and security," the minister said during the inauguration of India Aviation-2010, a five-day exhibition and conference of international aviation began on Wednesday.

He said the bidding process for New Mumbai airport is expected to be completed in a year.

Image: Praful Patel