The Business Factors News Desk
New Delhi, May 23, 2025: The Civil Aviation Ministry organised a curtain raiser event for Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, Airport Authority of India Chairman Vipin Kumar, DG BCAS Rajesh Nirwan, FICCI Civil Aviation Committee Chairman Remi Maillard and FICCI Director General Jyoti Vij graced the occasion.
The event also witnessed the launch of the Wings India 2026 Brochure, the release of the promotional video and the official unveiling of the Wings India 2026 Mobile App, aimed at facilitating participation and engagement from stakeholders across the globe.
In his keynote address, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted India’s remarkable aviation growth journey, stating that the country has become the third-largest domestic aviation market and is poised to soon become the third-largest overall air passenger market. He emphasised that the Government is working with a clear roadmap to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, focusing on modernisation, adoption of future technologies and last-mile connectivity.
Naidu also declared the theme of Wings India 2026 – “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future - from Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance and Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability”.
The Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to global aviation with skies full of opportunities, fair policies and sincere partnerships. Hon’ble Minister added, “I am confident that Wings 2026 will build on its legacy, drawing even greater participation from industry partners and aviation enthusiasts from India and across the globe. I perceive Wings India 2026 as more than an event—it is a vision statement, a bold declaration of India’s ambition to not merely participate in global aviation but to lead it”.
Civil Aviation Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol highlighted India’s aviation growth story, which is powered not just by national policy but by the active involvement of states across the country. From enabling new airports to supporting regional airlines, states have played a key role in strengthening connectivity and unlocking local economic potential.
Under the UDAN scheme, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are now part of the national aviation grid, boosting tourism, trade, and employment. To further enhance regional coordination, the ministry is organising a series of Regional Ministerial Conferences—platforms for states to share ideas, address local challenges, and align on common goals. Together, we are building a more inclusive and connected aviation ecosystem for all.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, in his special address, underscored the ministry’s focus on sustainability and innovation to shape the future of Indian aviation. He highlighted that India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), supporting international climate goals. He also noted that Wings India 2026 will act as a catalyst for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including drones and eVTOLs, ushering in a new era of urban and regional connectivity.
Airports Authority of India Chairman Vipin Kumar delivered the welcome address and highlighted the critical role played by AAI in expanding airport infrastructure and enhancing air navigation services across the country.
FICCI Civil Aviation Committee Chairman Remi Maillard, who is also the President & MD, Airbus India and South Asia, shared the industry’s perspective and noted that India is at the cusp of becoming the world’s leading aviation market. He emphasised the need for innovation, sustainability, and capacity-building to fuel the sector’s future.
Senior officials from MoCA, AAI, and FICCI, representatives from the diplomatic community, leaders from the global aviation industry, and members of the media were present.
Scheduled to be held from 28th to 31st January 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, Wings India 2026 will bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, manufacturers, state governments, investors, airport developers, cargo and logistics players, MROs, skill development agencies, and financial institutions from across the globe.
Source: A PIB report by Beena Yadav & Divyanshu Kumar
