``While 74 per cent FDI in the sector would be allowed through the automatic route, 100 per cent FDI would be permitted only through the special permission route,'' the Civil Aviation Minister Ananth Kumar told the global entrepreneurs conference organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here.

Investment upto 100 per cent would also be allowed in the sector for non-resident Indians and overseas corporate bodies.

The 100 per cent foreign investment in the airport sector would be for the management of airports, he said, adding this was following the government decision to consider the airport segment as part of the broad policy on infrastructure.