India now world’s 3rd-largest domestic aviation market, says PM Modi

Reflecting on the transformations from the past four decades, he remarked, “Today’s India embodies self-confidence and inclusive development. The level of innovation and technological advancement is extraordinary.”

Outlining essential elements of India’s aviation strength, Modi noted:

• India represents a vast market driven by rising aspirations.
• Domestic innovators are bringing breakthroughs in clean energy.
• The nation’s talented workforce and youthful population are propelling technological advancement.
• Significant changes have taken place in civil aviation recently.

Future Plans for India’s Aviation Sector

Naidu reported that domestic air traffic has surged by 30%, while international passenger numbers rose from 55 million to 72 million. In April 2025 alone, domestic traffic grew by 10%, surpassing the global average of 8%.

He extended an invitation to global airlines, stating, “This is a clear opportunity for international players to engage in India’s rapidly expanding regional air market. Let us travel to India, fly within India, and partner with India.”

Naidu also highlighted India’s potential as a future global hub for MRO services, targeting a $4 billion share of the worldwide MRO market by 2031. In support of this vision, the government has facilitated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the automatic route and established transparent, royalty-free land allocations for MRO operations.

Looking ahead, Naidu projected that India’s aviation sector could evolve into a $10 billion industry over the next 10 to 15 years, propelled by domestic manufacturing of aircraft components, electronic systems, and avionics.

He showcased two critical assembly lines—the C295 military transport aircraft and the H130 and H125 helicopters—as indicators of the ‘Make in India’ initiative in aerospace.