India’s aviation industry has undergone significant modernization and expansion under the leadership of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. A series of legislative reforms, infrastructure investments, and policy initiatives have propelled the sector’s growth, positioning India as one of the world’s leading aviation markets. The country has witnessed unprecedented progress in connectivity, safety, and sustainability, reinforcing its ambitions for Viksit Bharat @2047.
Parliament passed the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, aligning India’s aviation leasing framework with global standards set by the Cape Town Convention, 2001. The bill addresses gaps in legal enforcement, reduces aircraft leasing costs, and bolsters investor confidence. By ensuring lower risk premiums, better contract enforceability, and streamlined repossession protocols, the legislation is expected to foster the growth of domestic leasing hubs.
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 replaced the colonial-era Aircraft Act of 1934, marking a new phase of regulatory modernization. The act strengthens indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs, bringing India’s aviation regulations in line with global conventions such as the Chicago Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organization standards. By simplifying licensing procedures and removing redundancies, the reform enhances operational efficiency and appeals to new entrants in the aviation sector.
India’s airport network has expanded rapidly, growing from 74 airports in 2014 to 159 airports in 2024. Major infrastructure projects are underway, including new terminal developments in Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra. Since 2014, 12 greenfield airports have been operationalized, with ongoing development at Noida and Navi Mumbai International Airports targeting completion by FY 2025-26. The government has set ambitious targets, planning 50 more airports in the next five years and connecting 120 additional destinations over the next decade.
Under the UDAN initiative, which entered its ninth year in 2024, the government has successfully operationalized 619 routes, connecting 88 airports across the country. The scheme has facilitated affordable air travel for 15 million passengers and aims to extend services to 40 million travelers over the next decade. Expansion has focused on remote regions, with special attention to North Eastern states and aspirational districts. In addition to accessibility, the UDAN Yatri Café initiative was launched at Kolkata and Chennai airports, offering passengers quality food at affordable prices.
India’s domestic air passenger traffic crossed a historic milestone in 2024, surpassing 500,000 passengers in a single day for the first time on November 17. Total annual domestic passenger numbers more than doubled to 228.1 million, reflecting substantial demand growth. International passenger traffic saw an 11.4 percent increase in 2024, reaching 64.5 million travelers between January and November. India’s aviation sector has emerged as the third-largest market globally, growing at an annual rate of 10 to 12 percent over the past decade.
Aviation safety measures have advanced with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder Laboratory at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in New Delhi. This facility, established with support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is expected to improve the identification of incident causes and enhance accountability. In digital travel, the expansion of the Digi Yatra initiative across 24 airports has streamlined passenger movement, with over 80 million app downloads and 40 million journeys completed using the service.
Seaplane connectivity is another key focus, with operational guidelines launched in August 2024. As part of UDAN Round 5.5, bids were invited for seaplane operations across 50 water bodies, further strengthening regional travel options.
The Ministry’s sustainability initiatives have gained traction, with 80 airports operating on 100 percent green energy. Plans are in place to transition more than 100 airports to renewable sources. Bengaluru Airport has achieved the highest Carbon Accreditation Level 5 from Airports Council International, while Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad airports have reached Level 4+ neutrality, signaling progress toward carbon emissions reductions.
Recognizing the need for skilled professionals, the government has prioritized the expansion of Flight Training Organizations to meet the growing demand for pilots, projected to rise to between 30,000 and 34,000 over the next 10 to 15 years. A career guidance program in aviation has been introduced to inspire students and cultivate future talent for the industry.
India’s aviation sector continues to attract international recognition, with the country hosting the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, which concluded with the Delhi Declaration. The air cargo sector has also seen consistent growth, with handling capacity reaching 8 million metric tons in FY24, supported by new warehousing initiatives for perishables and streamlined customs protocols.
The Ministry remains committed to advancing India’s aviation industry through world-class infrastructure, innovative policies, and inclusive growth. As passenger traffic expands, regional connectivity strengthens, and sustainability becomes a core priority, India is firmly on track to emerge as a global aviation hub, advancing its vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.
