India’s aviation sector is expanding at a pace never seen before, with the country now opening one new airport every 50 days, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Friday.

He made the remarks during the inaugural session of the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 held in Visakhapatnam, where he highlighted how India is rapidly strengthening its aviation and logistics network to support future growth.

Calling India’s current pace of airport development “unprecedented anywhere in the globe,” the minister said the country has made huge strides in increasing airport infrastructure, passenger handling capacity, and overall aviation services. He noted that this momentum reflects the government’s strong focus on improving connectivity and supporting economic expansion across both metros and smaller cities.

Focus on Andhra Pradesh

The minister pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is becoming one of the biggest beneficiaries of this national push. The state currently has seven airports, and plans are underway to add seven more, effectively doubling regional connectivity.

In addition to airports, Andhra Pradesh is also investing in the wider aviation ecosystem.

According to the minister, the state is developing four new Flight Training Organisations (FTOs), a dedicated MRO ecosystem in Visakhapatnam, an aviation skilling university in Visakhapatnam and a new facility for aviation logistics, MRO services, and manufacturing

He said these developments will help create a full-fledged aviation hub in the state, supporting everything from pilot training to aircraft maintenance.

The central government is also pushing growth in the drone sector. The minister further added that India is developing a “drone city” and significantly expanding its aerospace and aircraft manufacturing capabilities. He noted that these initiatives will create new jobs, support innovation, and reduce reliance on global supply chains.

Speaking about India’s long-term vision, the minister said the year 2047 when India completes 100 years of independence should be viewed as a period brimming with opportunities. “2047 is not a challenge before the country, but an unlimited set of opportunities,” he said, adding that Andhra Pradesh is already capitalising on many of these possibilities.

Naidu also attributed the state’s rapid progress to the strong coordination between the state and central governments. “When both governments work with unity, clarity and conviction, the results are clearly visible, today in Andhra Pradesh,” he said.