Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru Airports Bag Top Honors; Maharashtra Named ‘State Champion’ at Wings India 2026 Awards
HYDERABAD – In a massive boost for India’s aviation landscape, the Wings India 2026 Awards celebrated the nation’s finest at Begumpet Airport, with major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune securing prestigious titles for operational excellence and sustainability.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, K Ram Mohan Naidu, presented the awards during the biennial event, highlighting India’s rapid ascent toward becoming a globally integrated aviation ecosystem. For the residents of Pune and Maharashtra, the ceremony brought double the reason to cheer as the city’s airport and the state both received high-level recognition.
Delhi and Bengaluru Lead the Heavyweights
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by DIAL-GMR, emerged as the biggest winner of the night, being crowned the “Best Aerodrome of the Year.” Beyond operational prowess, the capital’s hub also bagged the Sustainability Champion award, underscoring its commitment to carbon neutrality and green energy.
In the high-traffic segment, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport maintained its dominance by winning the Best Airport award in the category of above 25 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA). The award reaffirms Bengaluru’s status as a tech-driven aviation leader in South India.
Pune Airport Triumphs in 10-25 MPPA Category
For the city of Pune, the Wings India 2026 Awards marked a significant milestone. Pune Aerodrome was adjudged the best airport in the 10–25 MPPA category. This recognition comes at a crucial time as the airport continues to expand its civil enclave and enhance its capacity to handle the growing demands of the IT and manufacturing hub.
Lucknow and Port Blair Recognized for Excellence
The awards also shed light on the efficiency of mid-sized and regional airports:
- Lucknow (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport): Winner in the 5–10 MPPA category.
- Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport): Named the best airport in the under 5 MPPA bracket.
- Itanagar (Hollongi Airport): Recognized as the best airport under the RCS/UDAN scheme, highlighting the success of regional connectivity in the Northeast.
Maharashtra and Karnataka Named ‘State Champions’
The Ministry of Civil Aviation recognized the proactive roles played by state governments in fostering aviation growth. Maharashtra and Karnataka were honored as “State Champions” in aviation for their infrastructure development and policy support.
Additionally, Andhra Pradesh was recognized as the “Best State with a Dedicated Outlook for Aviation,” while Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat shared the honors for the “Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.”
Airline Excellence: Air India and IndiGo Shine
The airline sector saw Air India taking home the award for Domestic Connectivity, while its subsidiary Air India Express was also recognized for its role in strengthening the domestic network. IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation) was named the Best Aviation Service Provider, and Star Air secured the award for Regional/UDAN Connectivity.
The Road to 2047
During the ceremony, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized that India’s airport infrastructure has grown from 74 airports in 2014 to 164 in 2026, with a target to reach 350 airports over the next 20 years.
“India is no longer just operating aircraft; we are determined to design, manufacture, and maintain them domestically under the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” the Minister stated, pointing to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as a key contributor to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
