2025: A landmark year for Indian civil aviation

Major airport infrastructure expansion have been carried out across India in the year 2025. Airports and terminal facilities inaugurated at Patna, Datia, Satna, Amravati, Tuticorin and Purnea, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and accelerating economic growth across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Major Infrastructure Developments
- New Airports & Terminals: Inaugurations at Navi Mumbai, Patna, Datia, Satna, Amravati, Tuticorin, Purnea, and Guwahati.
- Navi Mumbai International Airport: Opened in October 2025, designed as a lotus-shaped hub, set to make Mumbai one of Asia’s largest connectivity centers.
- Patna Airport: ₹1,200 crore modern terminal, capacity for 1 crore passengers annually.
- Guwahati Airport: India’s first nature-themed terminal, featuring bamboo architecture and a “Sky Forest” with 1 lakh plants.
- Thoothukudi Airport (Tamil Nadu): New terminal boosting capacity from 3 lakh to 20 lakh passengers annually.

Airlines & Connectivity
New Airlines Approved:
NOCs granted to Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress.

Regional Connectivity (UDAN):
- 657 routes operationalized, connecting 93 underserved airports.
- Over 1.59 crore passengers flown through 3.34 lakh UDAN flights.
- Expanded framework planned beyond 2027, with ~120 new destinations.

Alliance Air Initiatives:
- Fare Se Fursat scheme introduced fixed fares to reduce uncertainty.
- New flights launched in Manipur (Imphal–Kolkata, Imphal–Guwahati).

Passenger-Centric Reforms
- Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR): 24×7 grievance redressal hub, resolving 14,000+ complaints since Dec 2025.
- Indigo Crisis Response: MoCA capped fares to prevent exploitation during disruptions.
- Yatri Sewa Diwas: Nationwide passenger service day with medical check-ups and cultural activities.
- UDAN Yatri Cafes: Expanded to 7 airports, offering affordable food options.
- FLYBRARY: Reading hubs at airports, allowing passengers to borrow books.

Regulatory & Safety Milestones
- Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL): Digital pilot licences launched, accessible via eGCA app.
- DGCA Initiatives:
-- Auto-generation of computer numbers for flight crew via Pariksha portal.
-- Ranking system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs).
-- 10 new Aeromedical Evaluation Centres added.
- Flight Recorders Lab: State-of-the-art “Black Box” lab inaugurated at AAIB, New Delhi.
- Safety Seminar 2025: Focused on collaborative aviation safety.

International & Strategic Engagements
- India re-elected to ICAO Council (Part II).
- IATA AGM 2025: Hosted in New Delhi after 42 years, with PM Modi highlighting India’s aviation leadership.
- Hanimaadhoo Airport (Maldives): Redeveloped with Indian support, strengthening regional ties.
- SAF Feasibility Report: Roadmap for India to become a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuels, targeting 5% blending by 2030.

Key Achievements
- Record Domestic Traffic: 5.38 lakh passengers carried in a single day (Nov 23, 2025).
- Pilot Training: 1,628 CPLs issued in 2024 – highest ever.
- MRO Expansion: Safran LEAP Engine MRO facility inaugurated in Hyderabad, boosting India’s aerospace self-reliance.
- Career Guidance Programme: Launched for school students to inspire aviation careers.

✨ In essence: 2025 was a landmark year for Indian civil aviation, with massive infrastructure upgrades, digital reforms, passenger-first initiatives, and global leadership in sustainability. The Ministry’s focus is clear—making aviation affordable, accessible, safe, and future-ready.