Indian Aviation Sector Soaring with Strong Growth in Air Traffic

The Indian aviation sector is experiencing a robust resurgence in air travel, driven by both domestic and international demands. Recent air traffic data for July 2024, released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), reveals significant growth across all major segments, indicating a dynamic increase in aircraft movements and passenger numbers at all Indian airports.

Growth in Aircraft Movements

In July 2024, total aircraft movements reached 251.32 thousand, representing an 8.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year's 232.48 thousand movements. International movements saw a notable 11.1 per cent growth, rising from 35.12 thousand in July 2023 to 39.11 thousand in July 2024. The domestic sector also experienced a 5.8 per cent rise, from 182.74 thousand to 193.43 thousand during the same period. This upward trend continues when analyzing year-to-date figures for April to July 2024, with aircraft movements reaching 1,022.09 thousand, an 8.1 per cent growth over the 945.19 thousand movements recorded during the same period in 2023.

Surge in Passenger Traffic

Passenger traffic also witnessed a significant boost in July 2024, with total passenger numbers reaching 32.46 million, an 8.8 per cent increase from 29.83 million in July 2023. International passengers, in particular, saw a sharp rise of 8.8 per cent, increasing from 5.78 million to 6.29 million year-on-year. Domestic passengers also increased by 8.8 per cent, jumping from 24.05 million to 26.17 million in July 2024. For the four-month period from April to July 2024, the total passenger count rose by 9.9 per cent, reaching 132.71 million compared to 120.77 million during the same period the previous year.

Indigo Leads International Passenger Traffic

The international traffic statistics for Indian domestic airlines during the second quarter of 2024 (April–June) highlight the dominance of Indigo in the international market. Indigo transported over 16 million passengers on international routes between April and June 2024, with 16,23,609 passengers arriving in India and 16,02,677 departing. This success can be attributed to its extensive international network and competitive pricing.

Air India Shows Strong Performance

Air India, the national carrier, also demonstrated strong performance in the international market, transporting 10,67,028 passengers to India and 11,08,824 passengers from the country during the second quarter of 2024. Despite the rise of low-cost competitors, Air India's legacy, coupled with its long-haul services, continues to attract a large share of international travelers.

Growth of Other Domestic Airlines

Air India Express, a budget subsidiary of Air India specializing in short-haul international flights, handled 7,41,491 passengers arriving in India and 7,19,843 passengers departing during the second quarter of 2024. This reflects its vital role in serving the demand for travel between India and destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Newer players, such as Akasa Air, managed to transport a modest 9,979 passengers to India and 9,086 passengers from India. Despite being a relatively recent entrant, Akasa Air's numbers indicate its growing presence in the international sector.

Conclusion

Indian domestic airlines have made significant strides in both international passenger and freight traffic. Indigo and Air India remain dominant players, but other airlines such as Vistara and Akasa Air are steadily expanding their footprint. These positive trends indicate a bright future for the Indian aviation sector, with continued growth expected in both domestic and international air travel. This surge in passenger traffic and aircraft movements reflects a robust resurgence in air travel, driven by both domestic and international demands.