Indian Government Invests ₹28,840 Crore to Expand Regional Flight Connectivity

New Delhi, August 22: The Parliamentary Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, chaired by Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, convened in Mysore, Karnataka, on Friday. The meeting focused on strengthening regional air connectivity, enhancing the flying training organization ecosystem, and discussing reforms at the Indira Gandhi National Flight Academy (IGRUA).

Addressing the committee, the minister stated, “In the past decade, we have invested nearly ₹10,000 crore in airport development and ‘Viability Gap Funding’ (VGF) for airlines. Now, we are elevating this goal with an allocation of ₹28,840 crore for the next phase of the ‘Udaan’ scheme.”

Naidu emphasized that India’s aviation sector is no longer limited to the development of major cities and airports; its scope is expanding. He remarked, “Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Udaan, the aviation sector is becoming a vital means for regional development and inclusive economic growth, benefiting farmers, exporters, businesses, and communities. Additionally, India is leading the next wave of aviation innovation through drones and eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technology, while also advancing reforms in MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and air cargo sectors.”

The committee was also briefed on the improvements made in the Flying Training Organization (FTO) ecosystem, aimed at increasing the availability of trained pilots while maintaining high standards of safety and training.

The FTO ecosystem has expanded; the number of FTOs rose from 32 in 2020 to 41 in 2026, and the number of flying bases increased from 32 to 63 during the same period. The introduction of the FTO ranking framework has brought transparency in accountability, helping young aspirants make informed decisions at the start of their pilot careers.

Highlighting the opportunities in the aviation sector, the minister noted, “Indian airlines have placed aircraft orders on an unprecedented scale, unseen anywhere else in the world. However, ordering aircraft is just part of the story; a skilled and safety-conscious workforce is needed to operate these planes. We do not want to bring in a workforce from outside; we aim to train that workforce right here in India.”

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