Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Wings India 2026 event, emphasized India’s rise as a significant aviation link between the Global South and the world. He welcomed industry leaders and investors, noting the country’s potential in aircraft manufacturing and related sectors. India’s aviation industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, transitioning to become the world’s third-largest domestic market.
PM Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to make air travel more accessible, connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with airports. He mentioned the substantial increase in the number of airports in India, from 70 in 2014 to over 160 presently. The Prime Minister also discussed the success of the UDAN scheme, which has enhanced regional air connectivity and facilitated millions of passengers to travel affordably.
Looking ahead, PM Modi projected a future with over 400 airports in India by 2047, emphasizing the government’s commitment to further enhance regional air connectivity. He underscored India’s focus on aircraft design, manufacturing, and the development of the aircraft MRO ecosystem. Additionally, he highlighted the country’s potential as a competitive transhipment hub, urging investors to explore opportunities in various sectors like warehousing and e-commerce.
