The Bright Future of India’s Aviation Industry

In the last three years, the civil aviation industry in India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. India is now considered the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world and is expected to overtake the United Kingdom to become the third-largest air passenger market by 2024.

India’s passenger traffic grew at 16.52 percent year on year to reach 308.75 million in FY18. The Government of India has been working towards increasing the number of airports in an attempt to cater to the rising air traffic. India has 103 operational airports, as of March 2019. By FY40, India is expected to increase the number of operational airports to 190-200.  As of now, there were nearly 620 aircraft being operated by scheduled airline operators in India. This number is expected to grow to 1,100 by 2027.

Some of the key investments and developments in India’s aviation industry include:

In the next four years, India’s aviation industry is expected to witness Rs 35,000 crore (US$ 4.99 billion) investment.

By 2026, the Indian government plans to invest US$ 1.83 billion as a part of the development planning of airport infrastructure along with aviation navigation services

In January 2019, the Government of India began working on a blueprint to promote domestic manufacturing of aircraft and aircraft financing within the country.

In November 2018, the Government of India approved a proposal to manage six AAI airports under public-private partnership (PPP).

The construction of Navi Mumbai airport which is expected to be built at a cost of US$ 2.58 billion has been launched by the Prime Minister of India. The first phase of the airport is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

Road Ahead

Given that air transport is still costly for the majority of the country’s population, India’s aviation industry has scope for huge growth opportunities that still remain untapped.

It is integral that the industry stakeholders engage and collaborate with policymakers to implement efficient and rational decisions that would boost India’s civil aviation industry. With the right policies in place and relentless focus on quality, cost and passenger interest, India would be able to achieve its vision of becoming the third-largest aviation market by 2024.

About the author:
Captain Sameer Dogra is a commercial airline pilot from India with nearly 24 years of flying experience. His career in the aviation industry has seen him play various roles such as Check Pilot, Instructor, and Examiner. With his extensive knowledge and flying experience, he aims to provide relevant information and insightful tips to anyone aspiring to pursue a career as an airline pilot.