Wings India 2026 Launches in Hyderabad as Aviation Sector Navigates Turbulence
At a critical juncture for India's civil aviation industry, which is currently under intense scrutiny following recent incidents including the Air India crash and disruptions linked to the IndiGo crisis, the international civil aviation extravaganza Wings India 2026 is poised to take flight at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad starting Wednesday. This significant event arrives as the global aviation market grapples with ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and supply-chain challenges that are reshaping procurement strategies worldwide.
Event Overview and Global Participation
The biennial event, scheduled to run from January 28 to 31, will convene industry leaders from across the globe through a series of high-powered forums and conferences. Organized jointly by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, the Airports Authority of India, and FICCI, Wings India 2026 is being positioned as Asia's largest civil aviation event, encompassing commercial aviation, general and business aviation, drones, and advanced air mobility sectors.
Among the distinguished attendees will be Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who will formally inaugurate the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the inaugural session virtually, underscoring the national importance of this gathering.
Key Highlights and Aircraft Displays
A centerpiece of the opening day will be the CEO forum focusing on 'Indian Aviation: Paving the Future – From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability'. This forum will feature CXOs from approximately 35 global aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and other stakeholders who will deliberate on the future trajectory of Indian aviation.
The event will showcase an impressive array of aircraft from leading global manufacturers, signaling fresh interest from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the Indian market:
- Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will display the Ilyushin IL-114-300, SJ-100, and Aurus Business Jet for the first time in India
- French giant Airbus will present its H125 and H160 helicopters along with the A321neo and A220 fixed-wing aircraft
- American manufacturer Boeing will showcase the 787-9 Dreamliner, 737 Max, and 737-8 Max, flown in by Indian carriers including Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air
- Other notable static displays include Italian manufacturer Tecnam's six aircraft models, Dassault Aviation's Falcon 6X, Pilatus' P24, and Embraer's E175 and E2195 Profit Hunter
Aerobatic Displays and Technical Sessions
Visitors will be treated to spectacular aerobatic performances throughout the event. The Global Stars Aerobatic Team, led by Mark Jefferies, will perform with Extra 330SC aircraft, while the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team will demonstrate their skills with indigenously manufactured Hawk Mk-132 jets, featuring close-formation manoeuvres and tricolour smoke trails. Additionally, a drone show is scheduled for Wednesday to highlight advancements in unmanned aerial technology.
The event's agenda includes comprehensive technical sessions spread across multiple days:
- Day 1 will feature roundtables and panels focusing on airports, aircraft leasing and financing, helicopter operations, and women in aviation
- Day 2 will concentrate on MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), air cargo, business aviation, aircraft component manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuels, and advanced air mobility, alongside dedicated sessions on flying training and skilling
Exhibition and Expected Participation
The exhibition and chalets at Wings India 2026 will showcase cutting-edge aviation technologies, future-ready solutions, and next-generation aircraft. The event is anticipated to attract substantial participation, with projections including:
- Over 100,000 general visitors
- More than 7,500 business visitors
- Approximately 2,000 business delegates
- Over 200 foreign delegates
- More than 500 planned B2B and B2G meetings
This gathering represents a crucial platform for stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem to address current challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and shape the future of civil aviation in India and beyond. As the industry confronts multiple headwinds, Wings India 2026 serves as both a showcase of technological innovation and a forum for strategic dialogue about the sector's sustainable development.
