At the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting, held in India for the first time in 42 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a compelling vision for the country’s aviation sector. Addressing over 1,600 participants from across the global aviation ecosystem, Modi showcased India’s transformation into a leading aviation hub and laid out a roadmap for future growth.

India: From 74 to 162 Airports — and Counting

India has emerged as the third-largest domestic civil aviation market globally. In his speech, Modi highlighted the massive strides made in aviation infrastructure, including a more than twofold increase in the number of airports—from 74 to 162 operational airports.

He further announced an ambitious plan to add 50 more airports in the next five years, aimed at improving regional connectivity and supporting economic development.

Aviation Sector at a Glance

Key Metric	Figure / Detail
Current No. of Airports	162 (up from 74)
Planned New Airports (5 years)	50
MRO Market Target (by 2031)	$4 billion
Direct Aviation Jobs	~369,700
GDP Contribution (Direct)	$5.6 billion
Total Jobs Supported (incl. tourism)	7.7 million
Total Economic Contribution	$53.6 billion
UDAN Scheme Routes Operationalized	619
IATA AGM Participants	1,600+ (aviation leaders, global media, stakeholders)

India’s Aviation Advantage: Policy, People, and Potential

PM Modi emphasized India’s readiness to attract global investment in aviation, thanks to:

• Proactive and supportive policy reforms
• A large pool of technical talent
• A rapidly growing domestic market

India is also preparing to become a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub by 2030, a move that could save billions in overseas repair costs and create thousands of high-skill jobs.

UDAN: Taking Aviation to the Last Mile

The success of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme was also spotlighted. By operationalizing 619 new routes, UDAN has connected remote areas to major cities, democratizing air travel and enhancing tourism and trade.

A Vision for Leadership in Global Aviation

Closing his address, PM Modi stated that India is moving swiftly and decisively to take a leadership role in the global aviation value chain. With strong fundamentals, continued reforms, and robust demand, India is well-positioned to become a central player in global air connectivity.

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Conclusion:
From infrastructure expansion and MRO opportunities to job creation and regional inclusion, India’s aviation story is unfolding with remarkable speed. The IATA AGM has not only spotlighted India’s achievements but also reaffirmed its rising stature in the global aviation landscape.