India's first civil aviation policy was released in June 2016. It was formulated after extensive stakeholder consultations, and it received generally a positive response from experts in the aviation sector. With India emerging as the fastest growing aviation market in the world, a comprehensive roadmap for the sector was the need ofthe hour. The National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 attempts to cover all aspects ofcivil aviation, with special emphasis on affordability and regional connectivity. This paper examines the policy in the light ofcurrent scenario ofthe sector vis-à-vis its challenges and opportunities. The policy is then analysed on the major themes ofthe sector, such as regional connectivity, airport infrastructure financing, and airport charges, both at national and global levels. Data sources at the national level will be government documents including previous policies ofthe Ministry ofCivil Aviation (MOCA), reports ofthe Planning Commission, audit reports ofthe Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and news articles voicing the opinions ofairlines as well as other stakeholders. At the global level, data available in various research articles on aviation policies ofdeveloped and developing countries, will be relied upon. It has been less than a year since the civil aviation policy was rolled out, and it is too early to evaluate the outcomes. Hence, this paper could only evaluate the rationale behind policy formulation, and its possible implications, on the aviation sector as a whole. The above analysis reveals that focus on affordability and regional connectivity is well-thought out and being implemented appropriately. However, many building blocks to these focus areas such as streamlining oftaxation system and infrastructure financing through public private partnership have not been given due attention.