NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid out an ambitious vision for India’s aviation future, predicting that the number of annual air travelers in the country will more than double—from 240 million to nearly 500 million—by 2030. He also revealed plans to eventually integrate commercial space travel and interplanetary missions into India’s civil aviation framework.
Speaking at the 81st Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), held in India for the first time in 42 years, Modi highlighted the rapid transformation of the country’s aviation sector. “India is not just an aviation market, but a leader in the global value chain—from design to delivery,” he said.
Aviation Growth Milestones and Targets
- India currently operates 162 airports, up from 74 in 2014, with a target of 350 by 2047.
- Air cargo is projected to nearly triple from 3.5 million to 10 million metric tonnes by decade’s end.
- Over 2,000 new aircraft are on order for Indian airlines, reinforcing the country’s status as the world’s third-largest aviation market.
- India also boasts one of the most inclusive aviation workforces, with women making up 15% of pilots—three times the global average.
India Aiming to Be a $4 Billion MRO Hub by 2030
Modi also announced India’s goal to become a $4 billion maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub by 2030. The sector’s growth has been fueled by reforms such as 100% FDI via the automatic route, lower GST rates, and rationalized taxation. The number of MRO facilities has increased from 96 in 2014 to 154 today.
Futuristic Vision: Space, Sustainability, and Innovation
Looking ahead, Modi emphasized the convergence of space and aviation, calling India a “global leader in space-aviation integration.” He cited the country’s innovation in AI, robotics, and clean energy as key drivers of aviation development.
Among the initiatives praised was Digi Yatra, India’s digital platform for paperless air travel. Modi urged other countries, particularly in the Global South, to adopt it as a model for secure and seamless air transit.
He also underlined India’s commitment to green aviation, highlighting work underway on sustainable aviation fuels and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint.
New Legislation for Global Alignment
The new Indian Aircraft Act, Modi noted, aligns national aviation laws with global standards, offering streamlined regulations, simplified taxation, and a more attractive investment climate for global aviation companies.
“In 2014, India had only 74 airports. Today we have 162, and by 2047, we aim to reach 350. India is now more confident than ever,” Modi declared, crediting the transformation to policy reforms, infrastructure growth, and an aspirational population fueling demand.
