India Sets Sights on 400+ Airports by 2047, Aims for Global Leadership in Green Aviation

India has announced a transformative aviation expansion plan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring that the country is on course to build and operationalize more than 400 airports by 2047, reshaping the nation into a major global aviation hub and a future leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The announcement was delivered during a virtual address at the Wings India 2026 aviation summit in Hyderabad.

✈️ Aviation Growth at Unprecedented Scale

• India’s aviation sector has undergone rapid expansion over the past decade, growing from 70 airports in 2014 to more than 160 today, with over 100 aerodromes activated under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
• Passenger traffic has surged, and Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 1,500 new aircraft, reflecting strong long‑term demand.
• By 2047, the government projects a nationwide network of 400+ airports, enabling widespread access to affordable air travel and connecting Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities at an unprecedented scale.

🌍 India’s Bid to Become a Global Aviation Hub

PM Modi emphasized that India is strategically positioned to become a primary aviation gateway for the Global South, leveraging:

• Its central location along major global air corridors
• A rapidly expanding domestic feeder network
• Future long‑haul fleet expansion
• Growing international partnerships and manufacturing capabilities

He noted that India is already a major supplier of aircraft components and is advancing domestic production of military, transport, and civil aircraft.

🌱 Leading the Future of Green Aviation

A key pillar of India’s aviation vision is environmental sustainability:

• India aims to become a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
• Research and development efforts are underway to scale green fuel manufacturing and reduce aviation emissions.
• PM Modi highlighted emerging technologies such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which he said could “significantly reduce travel time” and reshape future mobility.

🛫 UDAN 2.0 and Regional Connectivity Push

The government is preparing the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which has already enabled 1.5 crore passengers to travel on previously unserved routes.

The upcoming phase will:

• Strengthen regional and affordable air connectivity
• Expand seaplane operations
• Improve access to remote and underserved regions

💼 Economic Impact and Investment Opportunities

The aviation expansion is expected to:

• Boost tourism across India’s diverse regions
• Create large‑scale employment in aviation, manufacturing, and services
• Attract domestic and foreign investment in airport infrastructure, aircraft manufacturing, and green fuel technology
• Support India’s broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047