India's Aviation Sector Gears Up for Global Leadership: Highlights from PM Modi’s Address at IATA AGM 2025

 India Hosts IATA After 42 Years: A Milestone for Global Aviation

For the first time in over four decades, India hosted the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi from June 1–3, 2025, with over 1,600 global aviation leaders in attendance.

In a keynote address at Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented India’s aviation roadmap, reinforcing the country's transformation into a global aviation force.

“India is not just a growing market—it’s a hub of innovation, policy leadership, and inclusivity,” Modi declared.

India’s Aviation Growth Trajectory: Key Highlights from Modi’s Address

Infrastructure & Market Expansion

• India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market globally.

• Annual domestic passengers: 240 million+

• Airport capacity: 500 million passengers, 3.5 million metric tons of cargo, set to triple by 2030

• Operational airports grew from 74 in 2014 to 162 in 2025

• Over 2,000 aircraft on order, signalling unmatched fleet expansion
  
  

Innovation & Digitization

• Digi Yatra: AI-powered, facial-recognition travel platform improving passenger flow

• India is adopting digital-first strategies to streamline air travel and reduce friction

• Green technology and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) play a critical role in India’s environmental commitment
  
  

Industry & Policy Reforms Reshaping the Aviation Ecosystem

New Policies and Aviation Business Incentives

• Implementation of the Indian Aircraft Act for regulatory clarity

• Boost to aircraft leasing via GIFT City, India’s new aviation finance hub

• Targeting a $4 billion MRO sector by 2030

• MRO facilities increased from 96 to 154 in under a decade
  
  

Inclusive Growth & Global Positioning

• India leads in female pilot representation—15%, far above the global average of 5%

• The government supports Open Skies and global aviation treaties under the Chicago Convention

• India now integrates across the aviation value chain: design, development, manufacturing, and MRO
  
  

Commitment to Sustainability and Accessibility

PM Modi reiterated India’s global responsibility to promote affordable and sustainable air travel. He called upon the industry to collaborate in making aviation:

• More climate-conscious

• Accessible to Tier 2/3 cities through initiatives like UDAN

• A platform for showcasing Make in India and Design in India efforts
  
  

Leaders & Delegates Present at IATA AGM 2025

The event brought together:

• Union Ministers: Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Murlidhar Mohol

• IATA Leadership: Chairman Pieter Elbers, Director General Willie Walsh

• Industry Voices: IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia and other global airline CEOs

The summit addressed key topics including aviation sustainability, energy security, and innovation-driven connectivity.

Takeaway for Travel Agents & Aviation Professionals

India’s aviation growth isn’t just a domestic success story—it’s shaping global airline economics, network planning, and policy dialogue. For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate planners, this means:

• More flight capacity and route access for domestic and international itineraries

• Opportunities in aviation-related services, leasing, and MRO partnerships

• A robust, innovation-driven infrastructure that simplifies air travel for clients

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