Mumbai to Get Air Taxis by 2026: A Game-Changer for Urban Travel

India is set to introduce its own Air Taxi service by 2026 to tackle traffic congestion in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. The announcement was made by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu at a national aerospace conference in Pune.

India’s Big Plans for Aviation

The Civil Aviation Ministry is working on improving air travel across the country. Over the next five years, 50 new airports will be built, and by 2047, India will have more than 200 airports in operation. This will boost both domestic and international travel.

The announcement was made at a two-day aerospace conference organized by the Aeronautical Society of India. The event was attended by top experts, including former DRDO Director Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former ISRO Director Dr. S. Somanathan, and Prof. Prateek Kishore, among others.

Made-in-India Aircraft Components

India is making big strides in aviation technology, with 35% of aircraft parts, including helicopter equipment, now produced locally. Minister Naidu emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing and strengthening India’s aerospace industry over the next five years.

Air Taxis Coming Soon!

The Minister highlighted that while Western countries like the U.S. and Europe have led aviation, India is catching up with advanced technology. ‘Air Taxis’ will play a major role in urban mobility, and trial runs are planned for 2026.

New Airports & Expanding Drone Industry

• Noida International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport are almost ready and will begin commercial operations soon.
• India’s drone industry is also growing rapidly, with 30,000 drones currently in use. The government plans to increase this number to 300,000 by 2047 by lowering import duties on drone equipment and supporting startups in drone manufacturing.

Aviation Innovation for a Better Future

With air taxis, new airports, and an expanding drone industry, India is embracing advanced technology to reduce traffic, improve connectivity, and strengthen its aviation sector. Exciting times ahead for air travel in India! 🚁✈️