Instead of wasting money on air travel. Government needs to subsidize and push railway infrastructure. It's good for environment. Even most upper middle class people avoids travelling by air once the novelty wears off.
Travelling by Air in not novelty.Even the labourers travel by Air these days.
I don't think airport would be successful at smaller cities.
That depends.In Bihar we only have 1 major airport ie Patna which is connected to all major Cities of India.Next 1 in Darbhanga which has limited flights,can't operate at night and can't expand due to graciousness of Air Force.I have to travel 120-130 Kms in Bihar to reach Patna which is somewhat ok to me but there are people coming from places in Northern Bihar like Saharsa and Sitamarhi who travel close to 300-400 Kms to reach Patna or Darbhanga.How opening up a new airport inbetween won't be beneficial for them?I am not saying that Govt. should open Airports every 100 kms but atleast in 200-300 kms there should be airport's for sure.Moreover,rarely people travel within state in Flights.For ex. if i have to travel from my place in Bihar to Lucknow in UP which is 500 kms by road i don't do so by taking Flight.
Just see the state of most airlines. They are forced to be acquired by a rival or files for bankruptcy at the end. Getting additional tracks for railways should be the first priority.
That's different problem.Govt. rules don't help Airlines.Here is what Warren Buffett said on Airline Industry:
The worst sort of business is one that grows rapidly, requires significant capital to engender the growth, and then earns little or no money.
Think airlines. Here a durable competitive advantage has proven elusive ever since the days of the Wright Brothers.
Inspite of all this people who think that Aviation Industry growth in not necessary have the same thinking as the ones who used to advocate against Automation in Industry as it would lead to loss of jobs for humans.