Munish GUPTA
In a defining moment for global aviation, the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) convened in New Delhi last week, marking the summit’s return to India after more than four decades. With over 1,700 global aviation leaders in attendance, the meeting wasn’t just a forum — it was a stage. And on that stage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote that redefined India’s role in the future of flight.
Standing before an international audience of airline executives, regulators, and innovators, Prime Minister Modi laid out an audacious roadmap for India’s aviation future. Declaring India’s intent not just to participate but to lead, he set a new benchmark for ambition. India, now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, aims to handle 500 million annual passengers by 2030.
PM Modi ignites aviation’s new era at IATA Summit in New Delhi
But the speech wasn’t just about expansion — it was about evolution. Modi called on global companies to “Design in India” and outlined plans for commercial spaceflight, digital-first travel experiences, and sustainable growth. Platforms like Digi Yatra, aimed at frictionless travel, were spotlighted as models of tech-driven infrastructure. The message was unambiguous: India isn’t following global trends — it’s setting them.
Sky isn’t the limit
Far from a routine industry conference, this year’s AGM became a pivot point in the global aviation landscape. India showcased its dramatic transformation — from 74 operational airports in 2014 to 162 today, with a target of 400 by 2047. Initiatives like UDAN, which have allowed over 15 million citizens to fly for the first time, highlighted a grassroots revolution in air travel.
These milestones underscore a rare development trajectory — one where aviation is not just growing but democratising. India is not only expanding runways but rewriting the rules of accessibility and inclusion.
Headwind of sustainability
While optimism filled the halls, the path to net-zero emissions cast a long shadow. The industry’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 remains firm, but the road is steep. An estimated $4.7 trillion in investment is needed, with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projected to account for less than 1 per cent of fuel needs in 2025.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh issued a blunt assessment, criticising energy producers for inadequate SAF output and highlighting aircraft delivery delays. The summit made clear that ambition alone won’t solve the sustainability challenge — scalable solutions and policy alignment are now urgent imperatives.
Margins on tightrope
Despite a projected net profit of $36 billion and nearly 5 billion passengers in 2025, airline profitability remains fragile. The per-passenger net profit stands at just $7.20. Rising costs, trade barriers, and persistent supply chain issues continue to pressure the bottom line.
While the numbers point towards recovery, the aviation sector’s financial resilience remains thin. The sentiment at the AGM was clear: this is a growth cycle with caution lights flashing.
Using the IATA platform to advance geopolitical strategy, PM Modi pushed for liberalised airspace and stronger international cooperation. Positioned between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe, India is leveraging its geography to advocate for seamless connectivity and bilateral agreements.
Global carriers welcomed Modi’s call, recognising India’s potential as a fulcrum in the future of global air travel. With enhanced international partnerships, India is poised not just to benefit from connectivity — but to architect it.
Wings of equality
Among the standout figures of the summit was a quiet revolution in the cockpit: 15 per cent of India’s commercial pilots are women — three times the global average. This achievement, highlighted by Prime Minister Modi, reflects a broader cultural shift in Indian aviation.
Gender parity and inclusive growth are now central to the nation’s aviation agenda, reinforced by global recognition during the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards. India’s example is setting a new global benchmark in building an equitable aviation workforce.
The next frontier
Beyond runways and terminals, India is building the backbone of a self-sufficient aviation economy. Reforms in aircraft leasing, policy, and maintenance are already attracting international investment. GIFT City is emerging as a hub for aircraft financing, while new MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities are being promoted to reduce dependency on foreign service centers.
This shift signals India’s move up the value chain, from aviation user to aviation creator.
The 81st IATA AGM wasn’t just historic for its scale — it was transformative in its substance. For global aviation, it marked a strategic recalibration. For India, it was a statement of arrival.
Prime Minister Modi’s keynote wasn’t merely a speech — it was a strategic doctrine. With a clear vision for innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and cooperation, India has positioned itself as a central force in the skies ahead.