Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a bold vision to transform India into a global aviation hub by 2047, announcing plans to expand the country’s airport network to over 400. Speaking virtually at the Wings India 2026 Aviation Summit, Modi emphasized that India is positioning itself to lead the world through sustainable technology and enhanced connectivity.
Reflecting on the progress made since 2014—where airports grew from 70 to over 160—the Prime Minister stated that air travel is no longer a luxury for the elite but an accessible mode of transport for the common citizen. He highlighted the government’s focus on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, making regional travel affordable and efficient. Beyond infrastructure, Modi pointed out India’s emerging role in producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its transition towards becoming a major manufacturing base for both military and civil aircraft.
“India is becoming a key link between the Global South and the rest of the world,” Modi remarked, underscoring the strategic geographic advantage and the burgeoning domestic feeder network as the nation’s core strengths in the global skies.