Number of domestic air passengers in India crosses 5 lakhs
New Delhi| Last Sunday, 505,412 domestic air passengers flew in a single day. This achievement is a historic milestone for the Indian aviation industry. For the first time the number of air passengers has crossed five lakh. This figure symbolizes strong growth in the Indian aviation industry and increasing demand for air travel.
“India’s aviation sector is growing faster than ever, seamlessly connecting dreams and destinations”, the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a post on X announcing the achievement of air traffic
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on X that this is a testament to our commitment towards affordable, seamless and accessible air travel. The minister attributed this success to the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), modernization of airports and adoption of digital technologies, making flying a reality for millions of people.
The UDAN scheme, launched in April 2017, aims to improve air routes in underserved areas. India’s aviation industry has grown significantly over the past decade and the number of operational airports in the country has doubled since then. “The Ministry of Civil Aviation, under my leadership, is dedicated to ensuring ease of flying”, the minister said. He said that our aim is to ensure that air travel is affordable, seamless and accessible to all.
Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu had said in early October that the government’s aim was to make India a global aviation hub by 2030, then domestic air passenger traffic is projected to reach three crore.
A major concern in Indian civil aviation is the increase in air fares. Airfare is a market driven process and hence no limit can be imposed on it by the government. Tariff setting has been deregulated and airlines are free to fix appropriate tariffs.
The Minister reiterated on various occasions that since he took charge of the Ministry, his commitment as a Minister has been to keep air fares under control. During the recent Parliament session, the Civil Aviation Minister raised several questions related to excessive increase in air fares, delay in flights and aviation-related infrastructure in the country.
He had made Parliament aware of aircraft that were not currently flying because of engine problems, which he said was placing an additional burden on the overall fleet.
