‎New Delhi, Jan 28 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India’s aviation sector has witnessed a historic transformation over the past decade, emerging as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.
Addressing the Wings India 2026 programme in Hyderabad via video conferencing, Modi ‎called the growth a reflection of long-term policy vision, and said the sector has moved beyond being accessible to a privileged few and has become truly inclusive.
“Over the last ten years, India’s aviation sector has transformed from an exclusive club into a service for the common citizen,” he said, adding that the government’s mission has been to ensure that “every Indian can travel easily by air.”
‎Highlighting the role of policy reforms and infrastructure expansion, Modi said the government is preparing the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to further strengthen regional and affordable air connectivity.
“We are working on the next phase of UDAN to connect more regions, including hilly, aspirational and remote areas, and to expand sea-plane operations across the country,” he said.
‎The Prime Minister noted that India’s aviation story is no longer limited to passenger traffic alone, but now extends to manufacturing and strategic capability.
“India has begun producing military and transport aircraft domestically, and we are moving steadily towards civil aircraft manufacturing as well,” he said, underlining the country’s push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
‎He said these efforts are creating new opportunities for investment, innovation and employment across the aviation ecosystem, including airports, airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), logistics and aerospace manufacturing.
‎PM Modi also positioned India as an emerging global aviation hub.
“India is becoming a major aviation gateway between the Global South and the world,” he said, pointing to the country’s geographical advantage, expanding airport infrastructure and rapidly growing passenger base.
‎According to the Prime Minister, India’s aviation growth is closely linked to economic development, tourism and regional integration. He said increased connectivity has not only boosted business and trade, but has also brought people, markets and opportunities closer together.
‎Wings India is a flagship biennial civil aviation event that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, manufacturers, investors and global stakeholders to discuss trends, opportunities and challenges in the aviation sector. The 2026 edition focuses on innovation, sustainability and India’s growing role in the global aviation landscape.
‎The Prime Minister further expressed confidence that with continued reforms, investment and innovation, India’s aviation sector would play a decisive role in driving economic growth and strengthening the country’s global connectivity in the coming years. . SKA .
BHD