India’s Aviation Sector Set for Major Expansion, Says Airbus

Hyderabad, Jan 2026 : India’s civil aviation sector is heading toward an unprecedented phase of growth, with global aircraft manufacturer Airbus projecting that the country’s commercial aircraft fleet will triple over the next decade. According to Airbus, India’s fleet of commercial aircraft with more than 100 seats is expected to grow to around 2,250 planes by 2035, positioning the country as the world’s third-largest aviation market.

The projection was shared by Jurgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, on the sidelines of the Wings India 2026 aviation summit in Hyderabad. He described the anticipated expansion as one of the fastest and most aggressive aviation growth stories globally, reflecting the scale and momentum of India’s air travel market.

Currently, India’s commercial aircraft fleet stands at a much lower level, but Airbus believes several strong factors are driving this rapid expansion. One of the key reasons is India’s position as the fastest-growing major economy among G20 nations. Consistent economic growth, rising incomes, and a rapidly expanding middle class have significantly increased the demand for air travel across the country.

Another major driver is the government’s sustained focus on infrastructure development. Investments in airports, regional connectivity, and aviation-friendly policies have made air travel more accessible to a larger section of the population. Airbus estimates that per capita air travel in India will more than double over the next ten years, highlighting a major shift in travel habits as flying becomes more affordable and widespread.

As a result of these trends, passenger traffic in India is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.9 per cent through 2035. This growth rate is higher than that of any other major economy and is well above the global average, underlining India’s emergence as a key aviation market worldwide.

The rapid expansion of the fleet will also create significant demand for skilled manpower. Airbus estimates that the number of commercial pilots in India will need to increase from around 12,000 at present to nearly 35,000 by 2035. Similarly, the technical workforce, including engineers and maintenance staff, is expected to triple to about 34,000 professionals over the same period.

Westermeier also pointed out that the global aviation industry’s centre of gravity is steadily shifting toward the East, placing India in a strong strategic position. With the right policies and planning, India could develop into a major international transit hub connecting East and West. However, he cautioned that growth in fleet size must be matched by rapid improvements in training systems, operational efficiency, and airport infrastructure.

To support India’s expanding aviation needs, Airbus plans to offer a range of aircraft solutions. The A320 family is expected to play a key role in domestic and regional routes, while the A321XLR and A350 aircraft will support India’s ambitions for long-haul international connectivity.

The projected growth will also significantly boost India’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector. Airbus estimates that the MRO market for airframes, engines, and components could triple to nearly $9.5 billion by 2035. In addition, Indian airlines are likely to invest up to $1 billion in digital technologies, including flight operations, ground services, cybersecurity, and aircraft connectivity.

To keep pace with this expansion, the government is planning a major push in aviation infrastructure. The number of operational airports is expected to increase by around 50, taking the total close to 200 by 2035. This expansion is expected to support higher flight frequencies and ensure sustainable long-term growth for India’s aviation sector.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)