Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit up the Wings India 2026 gathering in Hyderabad through video link, heralding an era of unprecedented aviation expansion. Over the past decade, India has rewritten its aviation story—from an exclusive domain to a thriving, inclusive industry now ranking third globally in domestic passenger traffic.
He detailed the surge: airlines ordering 1,500+ planes, driven by visionary governance. Airports have multiplied from 17 to more than 160 since 2014, with over 100 aerodromes now operational. The UDAN scheme stands out, serving 15 million on fresh routes with budget-friendly tickets, connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like never before.
Forecasting a massive network of 400 airports by 2047, Modi announced UDAN’s next phase for deeper penetration into remote areas. Tourism infrastructure revamps are amplifying this, making flights the go-to for explorers. Emphasizing self-reliance, he spotlighted advances in plane production and MRO, reducing import dependence and inviting global investments.
As India eyes developed-nation status, aviation’s multi-fold growth is inevitable, creating jobs, spurring economy, and positioning the nation as a key player. Modi’s vision blends ambition with action, promising skies full of opportunities.