India set to become third-largest air passenger market: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu
New Delhi, May 24. India has firmly established itself as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and is poised to soon become the third-largest overall air passenger market, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has asserted. Speaking at the curtain raiser for Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, Naidu underlined the country’s rapid ascent in global aviation.
The event, held at Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi on May 23, was organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). It marked the official launch of the Wings India 2026 brochure, promotional video, and a dedicated mobile app designed to facilitate global stakeholder engagement.
In his keynote address, Naidu emphasised that the government’s roadmap for a ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ rests on modernisation, future-ready technologies, and last-mile connectivity.
“India’s aviation story is not just about growth; it’s about leadership,” he said. “Wings India 2026 is not merely an event – it is a bold vision statement of India’s aspiration to lead global aviation.”
He also unveiled the theme for Wings India 2026: “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future – from Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability.”
Highlighting state-level contributions, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol credited the UDAN scheme for integrating Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities into the national aviation grid, thereby boosting local economies through enhanced connectivity. He announced upcoming regional ministerial conferences aimed at improving coordination between the Centre and states.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha spotlighted India’s focus on sustainability and innovation, including its potential leadership in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and next-generation transport technologies like drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
“Wings India 2026 will act as a launchpad for Advanced Air Mobility,” he added.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Vipin Kumar, in his welcome address, emphasised the critical role of AAI in airport infrastructure and navigation enhancements nationwide.
Industry leaders echoed the government’s optimism.
Remi Maillard, Chairman of FICCI’s Civil Aviation Committee and President and MD of Airbus India and South Asia, said India stands at the “cusp of becoming the world’s leading aviation market” and stressed the importance of innovation, sustainability, and capacity-building.
Wings India 2026 is scheduled to take place from January 28 to 31, 2026, at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad. The event will bring together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airport developers, cargo and logistics providers, investors, state governments, and global aviation stakeholders to explore new frontiers in the industry.
