Announcing the significant milestone in India’s aviation sector, the civil aviation ministry shared the data in a post on social media platform X, noting that India’s domestic aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth.
The ministry attributed this surge to various factors including robust policies, economic development, and the expansion of low-cost carriers. It expressed optimism that as air travel becomes more accessible to the masses, the sector will continue to ascend.
On April 21, a total of 6,128 flights operated across the country, catering to the surge in passenger demand. This surge in air travel surpasses the levels recorded on the same day in 2023 when 4,28,389 passengers were reported to have flown on 5,899 flights.
This milestone comes on the heels of the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) reporting a steady increase in passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2024. According to DGCA data, domestic airlines carried 391.46 lakhs passengers from January to March 2024, marking a 4.38 per cent annual growth compared to the same period last year. The monthly growth rate for March alone stood at 3.68 per cent.
The upward trajectory of domestic air travel signals a recovery for the aviation industry, which had been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. As vaccination rates rise and travel restrictions ease, the resurgence in passenger numbers bodes well for the sector’s revival and its crucial role in driving economic activity.
(With inputs from agencies)
