In a stirring virtual address at the Wings India 2026 symposium in Hyderabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the seismic shift in India’s skies over the last ten years. Once confined to a privileged few, air travel has democratized, propelling India to the third spot in global domestic aviation markets.

Passenger numbers have skyrocketed, backed by massive aircraft orders exceeding 1,500 planes from Indian carriers. This momentum stems from strategic government policies prioritizing sustainable growth. Modi pointed out the explosion in infrastructure: airports doubled from 17 in 2014 to over 160 today, complemented by 100+ activated aerodromes and the game-changing UDAN initiative.

UDAN has ferried 15 million travelers on new regional routes, slashing costs and bridging urban-rural divides. The future shines brighter with plans for 400+ airports by 2047 and UDAN 2.0 to enhance connectivity nationwide. Tourism gets a major boost too, with upgraded sites drawing crowds via seamless air links.

Modi urged a thrust toward ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in aviation, from designing to maintaining planes. Domestic manufacturing of defense and cargo aircraft is underway, paving the way for civilian ventures. This self-sufficient ecosystem will attract investors, cementing India’s role as a global aviation powerhouse amid unprecedented demand.