Page 46 - NIS English 16-28 Feb, 2026

AVIATION | Wings India 2026

Air Travel In India

Now For Everyone

India’s civil aviation sector has today become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the
country. There was a time when air travel was considered limited to a select few, but
today India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. Along with
the continuous increase in the number of passengers, the country’s aircraft fleet is also
expanding rapidly. Against this backdrop, with the aim of giving new impetus to the
modernization of aviation infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the
nation at Wings India 2026, held in Hyderabad on January 28…

he Indian aviation sector has empowered aviation industry is full of promise, with India emerg-
the country to boost economic prosperity, ing as a key player. Aircraft manufacturing, pilot
Tstrengthen national integration, and confi- training, advanced air mobility, and aircraft leasing
dently move towards its goal of becoming a Viksit are areas where India offers excellent investment
Bharat @2047. At Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest opportunities for global aviation companies.
civil aviation event, India not only showcased the
country’s aviation development story but also ap- MORE THAN 400 AIRPORTS BY 2047
prised investors globally about the opportunities The country’s air activity is expanding manifold.
available in the country’s civil aviation sector. The India is expected to have more than 400 airports
event was held from January 28-31 in Hyderabad, by 2047. The Indian government is also working on
Telangana. India has now taken air travel out of the next phase of the UDAN scheme. This policy will
the exclusive club and made it accessible to the further strengthen regional and affordable connec-
common man. The Wings India 2026 international tivity. Seaplane operations are also being expanded.
conference, based on the theme “Indian Aviation: PM Modi said at the event, “Our endeavour is to
Paving the Future – From Design to Deployment, improve air connectivity in every corner of India.
Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Inno- Tourist destinations are being developed across
vation and Safety to Sustainability,” included 13 the- the country, and air travel is the preferred mode of
matic sessions in addition to a ministerial session. transport for people to reach them. In the coming
Prime Minister Modi said that the next phase of the times, the demand for air travel is going to increase

44 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || February 16-28, 2026