India Eyes Global Aviation Hub Status: Naidu

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said India is rapidly strengthening its position as a major global aviation hub and aims to become the world’s third-largest aviation market.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi ahead of Routes Asia 2027, Naidu said the government plans to raise annual air passenger traffic from around 24 crore at present to nearly 130 crore by 2047.

He noted that the number of operational airports has more than doubled, rising from 74 in 2014 to over 166 currently. He also highlighted the UDAN scheme, saying it has helped expand affordable and accessible air connectivity across the country.

India will host the 23rd edition of Routes Asia 2027 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from March 16 next year. The three-day event is expected to attract over 115 airlines and facilitate more than 2,500 face-to-face meetings focused on future air routes and connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region.