Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has achieved a historic milestone by joining the elite ‘100-million-plus’ club of global airports, with an annual passenger-handling capacity of 109 million. This puts IGIA among only six airports worldwide with such capacity, and apart from Tokyo Haneda, it is the only one in Asia to hold this distinction. Operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport reached this milestone in May 2023 following the full operationalisation of Terminal 1, and closed 2024 with the increased capacity.

To further enhance its capabilities, plans are underway to modernise and rebuild Terminal 2. This expansion marks another chapter in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector, which has seen significant transformation in the past decade under national initiatives like PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN.

According to an official report, India now has 162 operational airports, including heliports and water aerodromes, compared to just 74 in 2014. The aviation industry handled 412 million passengers in 2024-2025, with 335 million domestic and 77 million international travellers, showing a 9 per cent rise from the previous year.

The UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, has been a key driver in regional connectivity and affordable air travel. So far, 637 RCS routes have been operationalised, including 15 heliports and two water aerodromes, linking 92 underserved and unserved airports. These budget-friendly flights have carried more than 1.51 crore passengers.

Highlighting the sector’s rapid growth, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated at the Northern Region Ministers' Conference that India has seen 88 new airports in just a decade, equivalent to nearly one new airport every 40 days. Additionally, air connectivity has expanded with 60 new flights every hour. The minister affirmed that air travel in India is now more accessible, affordable, and widespread, ensuring inclusive aviation growth through state-specific strategies.

With IGIA’s inclusion in the global 100-million-plus club, India has further cemented its place on the world aviation map, showcasing a vibrant and fast-growing sector that continues to strengthen connectivity across the nation and beyond.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced a strategic agreement for 10 new Ginger hotels spread across southern states of India. The capital-light arrangement will operate under an operating lease model, marking a significant step in expanding IHCL’s midscale brand presence in the region.

Speaking on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,

“Ginger represents IHCL’s strategic response to capitalize on the growing opportunity in the midscale segment in India for the aspirational traveller. The brand with its relevancy straddles all city categories and destinations from metros, state capitals, commercial centres, industrial townships, pilgrimage sites and leisure hot spots. Signing of this framework agreement for 10 Ginger hotels across the southern states is reflective of this potential. We are delighted to expand the Ginger brand with Madison, the hospitality platform of Terminus Group and JV Ventures.”

The projects will include both greenfield and brownfield developments, starting with a 75-key Ginger hotel in Genome Valley, Telangana, which will be the first branded property in the state’s R&D hub. The hotel will feature Ginger’s signature all-day dining restaurant, Qmin, a fitness centre, and meeting spaces, catering to both short and extended business stays.

Highlighting the importance of the development, Mr. S.P. Reddy, Co-Founder, Madison, said,

“Ginger Genome Valley asset will support Genome Valley Industrial corridor with its modern business facilities and social spaces to foster collaboration within this dynamic ecosystem. Significantly, this marks the first time such a comprehensive hospitality offering is available within the cluster, after over two decades of its operation.”

Adding further, Mr. Jasmeet Chhabra, Co-Founder, JV Ventures, said,

“Madison will roll out ten Ginger Hotels with over 1,000 keys with an estimated outlay towards construction cost of INR 500 crores across industrial and spiritual towns in southern India over the next 3 years in partnership with IHCL.”

This partnership reaffirms IHCL’s long-term growth strategy in the midscale hospitality space, expanding its reach into key southern markets with modern, business-friendly hotels.

The Design Company is a premier design studio redefining the art of architecture, interiors, and landscapes for discerning clients. Based in Bengaluru,  Known for its seamless blend of artistry and precision, the firm creates environments that capture timeless elegance, functional sophistication, and a deep connection to their surroundings. Every project is a personalised journey, shaped by the client’s vision and elevated by the studio’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, detail, and enduring quality.

From bespoke residences to signature hospitality spaces, The Design Company designs not just spaces, but experiences, environments that look exceptional and feel unforgettable.

At the heart of The Design Company’s success are Sweety R. Nahar and Milind Mantravadi, Founders & Principal Designers, whose expertise in design ideation and flawless execution has set new benchmarks in the industry. Under their leadership, the firm breathes life into every structure it touches, an orchestration of natural light, bespoke materials, and exquisite proportions in perfect harmony.

 Sweety R. Nahar, Founder of The Design Company Says :

“Luxury is not about excess, it’s about intention. Every line, every texture, every shade is chosen to tell a story worth living.”

The Design Company offers a multidisciplinary expertise in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, and Home Styling, delivering a complete and cohesive design experience.

• Architecture: Innovative yet timeless, their buildings respect the environment, harmonise with surroundings, and stand the test of time.
  

• Interiors: Curated spaces that reflect personality, blending textures, colors, and materials for beauty and practicality.
  

• Landscapes: Green spaces that connect people to nature, focusing on sustainability, native planting, and seasonal beauty.

Every project is approached as a unique narrative, tailored to the client’s lifestyle and aspirations. From modern urban residences to luxury commercial spaces and serene outdoor retreats, The Design Company integrates form, function, and beauty in every detail.

Clients are treated as collaborators in a creative journey, with a transparent and personalised process ensuring each choice resonates with their vision. Customer satisfaction isn’t just a metric, it’s the foundation of every project.

As trends shift and lifestyles evolve, The Design Company remains committed to its core philosophy: design that inspires and endures. With a growing portfolio across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, the studio continues to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in its passion for meaningful, sustainable design.

Milind Mantravadi, Founder of The Design Company Says:

“Design is not just about what you see, it’s about how you feel when you experience it. Our job is to make that feeling unforgettable.”

For those seeking more than just a beautiful space, for those looking for a place that tells their story, The Design Company is where the journey begins.

For more details:

Instagram: @thedesigncompany_india
Email: sweetynahar.tdc@gmail.com / milind.tdc@gmail.com