PATA Lauds Record Growth in Indian Aviation

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) India Chapter has released its report on India’s civil aviation industry, which showcases remarkable growth and resilience despite the global challenges.

The Numbers

According to official data released by the civil aviation ministry, domestic air traffic in India soared to record highs in April 2024, reaching a record single-day high of 4,71,751 passengers on April 28th. This figure marks a significant increase of over 14% compared to the pre-pandemic average of 3,98,579 passengers, demonstrating the robust recovery of the aviation sector in the country.

The data further shows that on April 21, 2024, the total number of domestic air passengers surpassed 4,71,000, accompanied by 6,128 flights operating across the nation. This substantial growth in air traffic is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of India’s aviation industry, a release issed by PATA said.

The sector continues to expand dynamically, with 39 airlines operating in India, including scheduled, regional, chartered, and cargo carriers. The top 10 airlines in India, such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and others, play a pivotal role in driving connectivity and accessibility for passengers across the country and beyond.

IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, boasts a fleet of 342 aircraft and operates over 1,700 flights daily to domestic and international destinations. Meanwhile, Air India, with its versatile fleet comprising narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321, A321neo, A350, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787, continues to uphold its legacy of service excellence.

Delhi Airport Tops

In addition, Delhi Airport has emerged as the largest airport in India, handling a staggering 74 million passengers in 2024, solidifying its position among the top 10 airports globally. This milestone underscores India’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and facilitating seamless travel experiences for millions of passengers.

Furthermore, India’s aviation safety standards have received international acclaim, with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) awarding its highest-ever safety ranking. India’s global ranking in aviation safety has surged from 102 to an impressive 48, reflecting the nation’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the highest safety and security standards in air travel.

As India’s civil aviation sector continues to chart new heights, the PATA India Chapter remains committed to promoting sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration within the industry, fostering more excellent connectivity and mobility for travellers worldwide.