India has spent more than $50m since 2009 on eight airports that do not receive scheduled flights – white elephants that are a reminder of the pitfalls for the prime minister Narendra Modi as he bets on an infrastructure drive to fuel growth.
-
-
Solar panels are seen inside the premises of Jaisalmer Airport. India’s ghost terminals were built largely by the previous government, which planned 200 “no frills” airports, encouraged by rising air travel and the need to connect far-flung regions. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
An exit gate at Jaisalmer Airport. The civil aviation ministry declined to comment on whether Modi’s government would stick with the 200 airport growth plan. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
An empty and unused baggage carousel inside Jaisalmer Airport. Across India, more than half of the 100-odd domestic-only airports operated by AAI have not seen a scheduled flight this year, official data shows, although some are older airports designed primarily for chartered planes. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Signage is displayed inside Jaisalmer Airport. S K Singh, the local AAI director, defends the airport, saying Jaisalmer – famed for its huge sand-coloured 12th century fort – has a growing tourist industry, and the nearest functioning airport is 290km away. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Dust covered seats inside the lounge of Jaisalmer Airport. Officials at GoAir and IndiGo say they have no plans to start flights. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Stones lie in the premises of Jaisalmer Airport. Analysts say the government would need to cut landing charges or provide funding to entice carriers. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Departure and arrival sections are pictured at Jaisalmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Signage is displayed inside Jaisalmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
A signboard is seen outside Jaisalmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
A security guard walks outside the arrival lounges at Jaisalmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
A milestone is seen outside Jaisalmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Dusty basins are pictured in a washroom inside Jaisalmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Stairs leading to the passenger waiting area in Jaiselmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters -
Satellite dishes are seen fixed on the boundary wall of Jaisalmer Airport. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters
The $17m Indian airport that’s had zero passengers in two years – in pictures
Most popular today
