Official data reveals a significant milestone in India’s aviation sector, with domestic air traffic soaring to a new single-day high of 4,71,751 passengers on Sunday. This achievement marks a remarkable recovery for the industry, surpassing pre-Covid averages and signaling robust growth.
Record-Breaking Figures: On April 21, domestic air traffic surged to 14% above the pre-pandemic average, with 4,71,751 passengers and 6,128 flights recorded. This notable increase reflects a positive trajectory for the aviation sector, indicating a resurgence in travel demand.
Year-on-Year Growth: Comparing data from April 21, 2024, to the previous year highlights substantial growth, with 4,28,389 passengers and 5,899 flights recorded in 2023. This year-on-year increase underscores the resilience and adaptability of the aviation industry in overcoming pandemic-induced challenges.
Ministry’s Perspective: The civil aviation ministry emphasized India’s domestic aviation’s unprecedented growth trajectory in a recent post, attributing it to concrete policies, economic development, and the expansion of low-cost carriers. The ministry’s optimistic outlook underscores the sector’s pivotal role in driving economic resurgence.
Factors Driving Growth: The surge in domestic air travel can be attributed to various factors, including favorable government policies, robust economic development, and the proliferation of low-cost carriers. As air travel becomes more accessible to a broader segment of the population, the sector is poised for sustained expansion.
Regulatory Insights: Recent data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicates steady growth, with domestic airlines carrying 4.38% more passengers in January-March 2024 compared to the previous year. This positive trend reflects the industry’s resilience and adaptability amidst evolving market dynamics.