As Minister of Civil Aviation, Ananth initiated several programs, which have enhanced travel & tourism & help India to achieve its rightful place in global aviation.

1. Both Indian Airlines & Air India, which had been ailing, made healthier & have recorded a turnover, which was unprecedented in the near past.

2. Bangalore had a long - standing demand for an International terminal. This was the cherished desire of many Bangaloreans. This was given shape when Ananth Kumar signed a MOU for the Bangalore International Airport way back in 1998. As soon as he became the Civil Aviation Minister.

3. For meeting the growing aspirations of the IT capitol of India, Bangalore craved for a decent airport to enhance its global image. Within 10 months of his becoming a Minister, Ananth Kumar upgraded the Bangalore Airport, which has become much vibrant & travel friendly. He added a new International terminal, created aerobridges, and enhanced runways to the existing infrastructure. This ushered in the first direct flight to New York from Bangalore. This has been followed by flights to several other destinations.

4. Exporters of various perishable goods were finding it difficult to meet quality standards on account of there being no appropriate storage facility at the airport. The construction of the persihable goods terminal, which is second only to Delhi has boosted the Karnataka economy by over Rs.300 crores.