Over the past 11 years, India’s civil aviation industry has experienced a remarkable transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, establishing itself as a crucial pillar of the nation’s infrastructure development. Starting from just 74 operational airports in 2014, the number has more than doubled to 160 by March 2025, encompassing 145 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes. A significant focus has been on regional connectivity and inclusive growth, exemplified by the UDAN scheme, which has operationalized 625 new air routes connecting 88 underserved airports and benefiting over 1.51 crore passengers. The scheme has received over ₹5,000 crore in funding, targeting difficult terrains like the Northeast, tribal belts, and hilly regions, and has facilitated the operation of several greenfield airports such as Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, and others, boosting regional tourism and trade.
Innovations, Inclusivity, and Future Outlook
Digital reforms have played a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, with the eGCA platform digitizing nearly 300 aviation services and Digi Yatra enabling seamless travel for over 5.2 crore passengers via facial recognition. Modern security measures like biometric AEP and paperless e-BCAS have further streamlined airport operations. The sector’s growth is also evident in the burgeoning drone ecosystem, with over 32,000 drones registered and more than 26,000 remote pilot certificates issued, supported by new policies and industrial initiatives such as the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, aimed at modernizing aviation laws and promoting indigenous manufacturing. Flagship schemes like Krishi UDAN, Lifeline UDAN (launched during COVID-19), and HEMS (India’s first air ambulance pilot project in Uttarakhand) are addressing critical needs in agriculture, emergency response, and healthcare. Social inclusion initiatives are also prioritized, with India leading globally in women pilots (15%) and aiming to reach 25% women workforce in aviation by 2025. Passenger services have been further improved, with baggage turnaround times reduced to under 30 minutes at major airports, and affordable UDAN Yatri Cafés launched to serve travelers. Recent cabinet approvals for major expansion projects, including upgrades in Varanasi, and new civil enclaves at Bihta and Bagdogra, signal robust investment in infrastructure. Overall, India’s civil aviation sector is poised to play a vital role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and fostering national integration.
