Hyderabad, Jan 28 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India is entering a new era of aviation growth and is poised to become a major global aviation hub, inviting investors from across the world to partner in the country’s rapidly expanding aviation ecosystem.
Addressing virtually the 4-four Wings India summit held at Begumpet airport here, Modi highlighted India’s transformation from an elite air-travel market to one of the world’s fastest-growing and most inclusive aviation sectors.
The Prime Minister said India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with passenger traffic and airline fleets expanding at an unprecedented pace.
Indian airlines have placed orders for over 1,500 aircraft in recent years, reflecting strong future demand, he said.
He noted that the number of airports in India has increased from 70 in 2014 to over 160 today, with more than 100 aerodromes activated in the last ten years. By 2047, India is expected to have over 400 airports, creating one of the largest aviation networks in the world.
Highlighting the success of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, the Prime Minister said nearly 1.5 crore passengers have flown on routes that did not exist earlier, connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and making air travel accessible to ordinary citizens.
The government is working on the next phase of the UDAN scheme, which will further strengthen regional connectivity. Seaplane operations are also being expanded to improve access to remote and coastal areas.
The Prime Minister said the rapid development of tourism across India will lead to a sharp rise in air travel demand, opening new investment opportunities in airlines, airports, and related infrastructure.
Emphasizing Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), he said India is strengthening aircraft design, manufacturing, and the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem.
India is already a major supplier of aircraft components and is moving towards civil aircraft manufacturing, in addition to military and transport aircraft, he said.
The Prime Minister said India is making progress in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
He added that India is set to become a major producer and exporter of green aviation fuel in the coming years.
Due to regulatory reforms and digital transformation, India is becoming a crucial aviation gateway between the Global South and the rest of the world, offering vast opportunities for global investors and manufacturers, he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted reforms aimed at faster and more efficient cargo movement, including digital cargo platforms, off-airport processing, and modern warehousing. These measures will reduce logistics costs and position India as a competitive transshipment hub, he said.
Calling India a rare combination of scale, political stability, and technological ambition, the Prime Minister urged global investors, innovators, and industry leaders to become long-term partners in India’s aviation journey.
He concluded by inviting investors to join as “co-pilots on India’s flight to success” and extended best wishes for the successful organization of Wings India.
. KNR CDS