India is setting the stage for a transformative leap in urban air mobility, with a focus on advanced air mobility (AAM) to address urban congestion and sustainability. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) International Conference on Air Mobility, Vumlunmang Vualnam, secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighted the critical role of infrastructure, aspirations, drones, and regulatory reforms in propelling the sector forward.

“By 2047, India is projected to have 350 airports, up from the current 159, driven by an expected surge to 3.5 billion annual passengers,” said Vualnam. With air travel per capita currently at 0.13, a fraction of global averages, significant growth potential is evident, fuelled by a burgeoning middle class and increasing economic activity.

The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAAN has been instrumental, enabling over 14.8 million passengers to access affordable air travel. Vualnam credited the scheme for connecting underserved regions and democratising air travel. “Aspiration for air travel now spans the country’s length and breadth, from students to startups,” he added.

Integrating drones into AAM

Drones are a vital pillar of India’s AAM aspirations. Over 22,000 drones, largely developed by Indian startups and MSMEs, underscore the sector's vibrancy. Highlighting the success of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Vualnam revealed that 23 drone companies achieved a tenfold turnover increase, reaching ₹1,300 crore with an initial outlay of just ₹120 crore.

Additionally, the government’s Namo Drone DD scheme, aimed at equipping self-help groups with drones for agricultural applications, reflects the broader integration of drones into India’s economy.

Legislative support and innovation

India’s forward-looking regulatory environment aims to balance safety with innovation. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, a revamped Aircraft Act, addresses design, manufacturing, and maintenance standards, ensuring compatibility with modern aviation demands. The Cape Town Convention’s ratification, now underway, is expected to bolster aircraft leasing in India, aiding fleet expansion.

Furthermore, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has established six working groups to draft guidelines for key AAM components, including vertiports, pilot licensing, and air traffic management. “These efforts aim to create a robust ecosystem as technology advances,” said Vualnam.

Industry leaders echoed the government’s optimism while emphasising practical measures. Amit Dutta, chairman of the CII Task Force on Short Haul Air Mobility, highlighted the relevance of the Prime Minister’s “7 Cs” framework—Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean, and Cutting-edge—as a blueprint for AAM integration.

Salil Gupte, chairman of the CII National Committee on Aerospace Manufacturing, called for a “bottom-up approach” to ensure the sector’s holistic development while enhancing industrialisation. Meanwhile, Aditya Ghosh, chairman of the CII National Committee on Civil Aviation, stressed the need to strengthen soft infrastructure, particularly safety protocols and AI-driven innovation.

Despite its promise, AAM faces scepticism regarding its feasibility and adoption in India’s complex urban landscapes. However, Vualnam expressed confidence, “Advanced air mobility can transform crowded urban areas with environment-friendly, almost noiseless solutions using cutting-edge technology.”

The purpose of the establishment of regulatory sandboxes for trial flights and prototypes is to fast-track innovation and instil confidence among stakeholders.

International Conference on Air Mobility

350 airports by 2047: India’s blueprint for air mobility revolution