Prime Minister Modi highlights India’s remarkable growth in civil aviation

In a strong affirmation of India’s progress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the country has experienced remarkable growth in civil aviation over the past few years. This statement comes amid record-breaking developments in airport infrastructure, connectivity, and passenger traffic, signaling a transformational era for the Indian aviation sector.

Civil Aviation Expansion Reaches Unprecedented Levels

According to PM Modi, India’s civil aviation industry has seen “unprecedented transformation” in both scale and impact. From expanding domestic routes to building state-of-the-art airports, the sector has witnessed a surge in activity that is reshaping how India connects with the world and within its borders.

In the past decade, India has doubled its number of operational airports—from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today. This expansion includes major international hubs and regional airports under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible for every Indian.

Civil Aviation Driving Regional Connectivity

One of the most notable drivers behind this civil aviation boom is the focus on regional connectivity. The UDAN scheme has successfully brought smaller cities and remote areas onto the national aviation map. Over 500 new air routes have been launched, benefiting millions who previously relied on limited or no air connectivity.

“People who never imagined they could fly are now traveling by air frequently,” PM Modi noted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth through infrastructure.

Technological Advancements Elevating Civil Aviation Standards

India’s civil aviation landscape is not just growing in size but also in technological sophistication. The introduction of advanced air traffic management systems, digital boarding, AI-based security checks, and green airport initiatives is enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad have adopted cutting-edge technology to streamline travel and reduce carbon footprints, making India’s aviation sector more future-ready.

Civil Aviation Fuels Economic and Job Growth

The civil aviation sector is emerging as a major economic engine. According to recent industry data, aviation contributes over $30 billion to India’s GDP and supports millions of jobs directly and indirectly. From pilots and ground staff to engineers and hospitality workers, the aviation ecosystem has become a vital employment generator.

With global carriers eyeing India as a key market and domestic airlines expanding their fleets, the sector is poised for further economic upliftment.

‘Make in India’ Boosts Indigenous Aircraft and Infrastructure

Under the Make in India initiative, the government has also been encouraging domestic manufacturing of aircraft parts, maintenance services, and aviation tech. The goal is to reduce dependency on imports and make India a global hub for civil aviation innovation and services.

Initiatives like the development of the Hindustan-228 aircraft and the upcoming aviation university underline India’s intent to become self-reliant in the sector.

Civil Aviation: A Pillar of the New India Vision

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the future of civil aviation in India is aligned with the nation’s larger goal of becoming a global leader in infrastructure and innovation. “The sky is not the limit,” he remarked, alluding to the limitless potential of Indian aviation.

As India moves ahead, civil aviation will play a pivotal role in driving tourism, trade, and overall connectivity—both within the country and globally.

Conclusion

India’s civil aviation sector is undergoing a historic shift, transforming from a luxury mode of travel into a vital component of national development. The remarkable growth in civil aviation underlines not only infrastructural progress but also the empowerment of common citizens. With sustained focus and policy support, the future of Indian aviation looks more promising than ever.