India to Begin ‘Air Taxi’ Trials by 2026, Announces Civil Aviation Minister

India to Begin 'Air Taxi' Trials by 2026, Announces Civil Aviation Minister
Pune: India plans to introduce an indigenous ‘Air Taxi’ service by 2026 to address escalating traffic congestion in metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. This urban air mobility initiative was announced by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during a national aerospace conference in Pune.
In his address, Naidu revealed that the Civil Aviation Ministry is focusing on improving regional air connectivity and aims to construct 50 new airports over the next five years. By 2047, India is expected to have over 200 operational airports, significantly boosting domestic and international connectivity.
The announcement was made at the inauguration of a two-day national conference organized by the Aeronautical Society of India, centered on “Challenges in the Aerospace Sector for India.” The event was attended by notable figures, including Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO Director; Dr. S. Somanathan, former ISRO Director; and Prof. Prateek Kishore, Director-General of the Aeronautical Society of India, along with senior officials from DRDO.
Highlighting India’s strides in aviation technology, Naidu noted that over 35% of aircraft components, including helicopter equipment, are now manufactured domestically. He underscored the government’s commitment to self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing, outlining a five-year roadmap to enhance production capabilities.
“While Western countries like the U.S. and Europe have led in aviation, India is making significant advancements with cutting-edge technology. Our objective is to improve air connectivity and urban mobility, with ‘Air Taxis’ playing a pivotal role. We are targeting trial runs by 2026,” Naidu stated.
The Minister also announced the near completion of Noida International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, both expected to begin commercial operations soon.
In addition, India is expanding its drone industry, which currently boasts 30,000 modern drones. The government aims to increase this number to 300,000 by 2047 by reducing import duties on drone-related equipment and encouraging innovation and startup participation in drone manufacturing.
This initiative reflects India’s growing focus on leveraging advanced technology to tackle urban challenges and enhance the country’s aviation infrastructure.