New Delhi, Feb. 20 -- Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated on Thursday that India will require at least 20,000 pilots in the coming years to meet the increasing demand for air travel, media reports said.

Speaking at UDAAN Bhawan in Delhi during the launch of the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, he highlighted the rapid expansion of India's aviation sector and its role in connectivity, economic growth, and technological advancements, The Economic Times reported.

Naidu revealed that 50 new airports are expected in the next five years, adding to the 157 operational airports, a figure that has doubled over the past decade.

The Minister also emphasised the role of technology, stating, "With the launch of EPL, we are...