India established itself as the third largest domestic aviation market

Current Context: The IATA Global Aviation Summit 2025 was held from 1st to 3rd June 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi, India.

• It was organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and hosted by IndiGo Airlines, the country’s largest carrier.
• The summit was chaired by Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors.
• The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment for India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
• Theme: “Aviation Vision 2047”.

Highlights

• India hosted the summit after 42 years, showcasing its rise as a global aviation hub.
• Attended by over 1,700 global aviation leaders, CEOs, and policymakers.
• India became the 3rd largest domestic aviation market, with 240 million annual passengers and 2,000+ aircraft on order.
• PM Narendra Modi unveiled “Aviation Vision 2047”, aiming for:
• 350 airports by 2047
• $4 billion MRO industry by 2030
• Greenfield airports, modern ATC systems, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoptiaon
• Airlines projected to earn $36 billion profit in 2025, with improved margins and lower fuel costs.
• SAF production expected to reach 2 million tonnes, but still only 0.7% of global demand—highlighting the need for policy support.
• Panel discussions addressed geopolitical instability, climate goals, and air connectivity as a driver of development.
• IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2025 honored leaders promoting gender balance in aviation.
• Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, succeeded Pieter Elbers as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors.
• The 82nd IATA AGM 2026 will be hosted by LATAM Airlines in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Question:

Q.1 What is India’s rank in the global domestic aviation market as of 2025?
a) 1st
b) 2nd
c) 3rd
d) 4th

Answer: c) India became the 3rd largest domestic aviation market with 240 million annual passengers and 2,000+ aircraft on order.