In his address to global aviation leaders, Modi highlighted that the number of operational airports in India has more than doubled in the past decade. From only 74 in 2014, the country now has 162 operational airports. This surge is a clear indicator of the nation’s expanding aviation footprint.
India is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its aviation sector. At the 81st annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the country's ambitious goal to become a $4 billion Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub by the year 2030.
The UDAN initiative, short for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, has played a key role in transforming air travel for smaller towns. Launched in 2016, the scheme has provided over 15 million passengers with access to affordable air travel. This was achieved through government support in the form of viability gap funding and concessions such as reduced airport charges and tax benefits.
Modi described UDAN as a landmark achievement in India’s civil aviation journey, enabling greater regional connectivity and enhancing accessibility for citizens across the country.
India’s aircraft MRO sector is gaining momentum and is now recognised as a sunrise industry. In 2014, India had 96 MRO facilities. As of now, this number has increased to 154. The government has introduced several policy measures to support this growth, including 100% foreign direct investment under the automatic route and reduced goods and services tax rates.
Most Indian airlines still depend on overseas MRO services due to the limited availability of local facilities capable of handling components such as nacelles, engines, auxiliary power units, and landing gear. The expansion of domestic facilities aims to reverse this trend and retain more of the MRO expenditure within India.
Digital transformation is another cornerstone of India’s aviation growth strategy. The Digi Yatra app is one example of this progress. Developed to facilitate paperless travel within airports, the app is positioned as a smart and secure system, especially valuable for the Global South.
The government’s focus on digital solutions reflects its broader push to integrate technology into public services for efficiency and convenience.
Modi shared that India currently handles 240 million air passengers annually, a figure projected to double to 500 million by 2030. This growth is in alignment with India’s aspiration to become a global aviation leader. He stressed the importance of innovation in design and manufacturing and advocated for a vision that combines both Design in India and Make in India.
Read More: Global Airline Profit Set to Reach $36 Billion in 2025: IATA.
India is also making strides in promoting sustainable aviation. The country is committed to adopting green technologies, using sustainable aviation fuels, and reducing its carbon footprint.
Another area of note is gender diversity. Modi stated that over 15% of pilots in India are women, which is three times the global average. Furthermore, women represent 86% of India’s cabin crew, surpassing international standards.
Looking beyond terrestrial aviation, Modi spoke of a future where commercial travel could extend beyond Earth. While this vision may take time to materialise, it reflects India’s forward-thinking approach to technological advancement.
Safety remains paramount in India’s aviation policy. The Prime Minister noted that a recent audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation acknowledged India’s enhanced aviation security standards.
The Indian Aircraft Act has also undergone reform to align with global best practices. These changes create a simplified regulatory structure, paving the way for greater investment and operational efficiency in the aviation sector.
India is positioning itself as a major player in global aviation, with a clear focus on becoming a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030. Backed by infrastructure expansion, supportive policies, digital innovation, and a commitment to sustainability and safety, the country is laying a strong foundation for long-term growth in the aviation sector.
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Published on: Jun 3, 2025, 4:06 PM IST
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