The NDTV opinion piece discusses the development of aviation services in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, focusing on what comes after infrastructure and policy changes. It notes that runways and related policy steps are already in place for expanding regional connectivity. The article argues that the remaining challenge is matching these airports with appropriate aircraft and operational models suited to smaller routes and airport conditions. It frames the issue as one of capability alignment—ensuring that aircraft type, seating capacity, range, and frequency are compatible with the demand and characteristics of regional markets. The piece presents the idea that without the right fleet for these airports, the benefits of new infrastructure may not be fully realized. Overall, it emphasizes that progress depends not only on building or upgrading runways, but also on ensuring airlines have practical, effective aircraft options for serving these destinations reliably.