The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, hosted a curtain raiser event for Wings India 2026, Asia’s premier civil aviation exhibition, at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi. The event was organized in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
The event was graced by Hon’ble Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol; Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha; Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Shri Vipin Kumar; Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Shri Rajesh Nirwan; Chairman of FICCI’s Civil Aviation Committee, Mr. Rémi Maillard; and Director General of FICCI, Ms. Jyoti Vij.
Key highlights of the occasion included the official launch of the Wings India 2026 brochure, the release of a promotional video, and the unveiling of the Wings India 2026 mobile app, designed to facilitate global stakeholder participation and engagement.
In his keynote address, Union Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized India’s remarkable progress in aviation, noting that the country has become the third-largest domestic aviation market and is on track to become the third-largest overall air passenger market. He outlined the Government’s commitment to Viksit Bharat @2047, with a focus on modernization, technological adoption, and last-mile connectivity.
Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of Indian aviation. He stressed India’s potential to become a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and noted that Wings India 2026 will act as a catalyst for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including emerging technologies such as drones and eVTOLs, contributing to a new era of urban and regional connectivity.
Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu also announced the theme of Wings India 2026:
“Indian Aviation: Paving the Future – from Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation, and Safety to Sustainability.”
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to global aviation, grounded in fair policies and strong partnerships. “Wings India 2026 is more than an event—it’s a vision statement,” he said, expressing confidence that it will draw even broader participation from domestic and international industry leaders.
Hon’ble Minister of State Shri Murlidhar Mohol highlighted that India’s aviation growth is not solely driven by national policies but also by the proactive role of state governments. From developing new airports to supporting regional carriers, states are integral to enhancing connectivity and stimulating local economies.
He also emphasized the success of the UDAN scheme, which has integrated Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities into the national aviation network, boosting tourism, trade, and employment. To further regional cooperation, the Ministry is conducting Regional Ministerial Conferences, providing platforms for states to collaborate, share best practices, and align on common aviation goals.
In his welcome address, AAI Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar underscored the vital role played by the Airports Authority of India in expanding airport infrastructure and upgrading air navigation services nationwide.
Mr. Rémi Maillard, Chairman of the FICCI Civil Aviation Committee and President & MD of Airbus India and South Asia, provided an industry perspective. He highlighted India’s potential to emerge as the world’s top aviation market and stressed the importance of innovation, sustainability, and capacity-building to fuel continued sector growth.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI, and FICCI; members of the diplomatic corps; global aviation leaders; and media representatives.
Wings India 2026 is scheduled to take place from January 28 to 31, 2026, at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad. The event will bring together a wide array of stakeholders, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, state governments, investors, airport developers, cargo and logistics providers, MROs, skill development agencies, and financial institutions from around the world.
