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The global aviation industry is on a remarkable growth trajectory, with 2025 expected to mark a major turning point in the sector's post-pandemic recovery. According to projections by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines are set to achieve a net profit of $36.6 billion, reflecting a 3.6% profit margin, which is a notable improvement over the $31.5 billion forecasted for 2024 (IATA, 2024).
Passenger numbers are also soaring, with over five billion passengers expected to travel in 2025 — a 6.7% increase from 2024. This surge is largely attributed to renewed global tourism, increased business travel, and pent-up demand for leisure trips. These statistics signify not just a recovery, but a robust resurgence of global air travel.
India’s aviation industry has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors in the country. By the end of FY25, India recorded a 7.8% year-on-year growth in aviation, with domestic passenger traffic reaching approximately 165.7 million. Data from ICRA shows that domestic aviation traffic in March 2025 was 148.8 lakh, up 5.9% from February 2025 and 11.3% year over year (ICRA, 2025). As of 2024, India has cemented its position as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, growing at an impressive 6.9% annual rate, the highest in the world. Passenger traffic hit 376 million in FY24, with 306 million domestic travellers, contributing approximately $54 billion to the Indian economy (IBEF, 2024).
Fleet expansion has kept pace with demand, with over 860 aircraft currently operational and an additional 739 aircraft on order. The government’s plan to increase the number of airports from 149 to 220 by 2029 further reflects the sector’s strategic importance in India’s economic blueprint.
The aviation industry’s expansion is also translating into vast employment opportunities. Direct employment in the sector is projected to increase from 250,000 to 350,000 by 2024, with an additional 100,000 new jobs expected in allied areas such as:
The growing demand for trained personnel highlights the urgent need for specialised education and certification programs in aviation and aircraft maintenance engineering.
An essential component of aviation is the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry, which guarantees aircraft safety and operational preparedness. Despite its importance, India imports nearly 90% of its MRO requirements, underlining the potential for domestic industry development.
With the aviation sector booming, India’s MRO segment is gaining traction. It is expected to generate 90,000 new jobs and save US$ 2 billion in foreign exchange annually. The Indian MRO market, which was valued at US$ 1.7 billion in 2021, is estimated to reach US$ 4.0 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% (IBEF, 2024).
Several companies are stepping in to localize MRO operations by setting up facilities that focus on airframes, engines, and avionics maintenance, reducing dependency on foreign service providers.
India's ascent in global aviation is set to continue. According to IATA, the country is on track to overtake the United Kingdom as the second-largest domestic aviation market by 2026. This transition is driven by robust economic fundamentals, policy reforms, and infrastructure advancements.
The aviation sector is also playing a key role in shaping India's global image, contributing to economic growth, regional development, and employment generation across urban and semi-urban areas.
The aviation industry, both globally and within India, is undergoing transformative growth. With record profits, skyrocketing passenger numbers, increasing fleet sizes, and a booming MRO sector, the skies have never looked brighter for the aerospace ecosystem. For students, professionals, and investors alike, this is a defining moment to be part of the aviation journey.
As India prepares to become the second-largest domestic aviation market by 2026, the momentum is strong — and the future, limitless.