Question

Air transport has made the world a global village. How? Also, explain the significance of air transport.

Answer 1

Air transport has brought about a connectivity revolution in the world in many ways. It is the fastest mode of transport. It is because of air transport that there is no place in the world which is more than 35 hours away. The significance of air transport can be understood as follows:

1. Economic Significance:

• Air transport is used only for high-value goods and passengers.
• Valuable goods can be moved rapidly.
• It is preferred for long-distance travel.
• It is the easiest way to reach inaccessible areas such as mountainous snowfields or inhospitable deserts. In the Himalayan region, the routes are often obstructed due to landslides, avalanches, or heavy snowfall. At such times, air travel is the only alternative to reach a place.

2. Airways also have great strategic importance:

• Airports with wide facilities have to be built.
• The construction of airports and facilities is very costly. Therefore airports are built in places where the traffic is large.
• It requires large arrangements such as hanger, fuelling, landing facilities.