India Achieves Record International Air Travel

In 2023, India witnessed a significant leap in international air travel, according to OAG, a UK-based air consultancy. Approximately 65 million passengers traveled internationally from India, closing in on pre-pandemic figures. Of these, around 37 million opted for direct flights, a notable increase of 2 million compared to 2019. This rise in non-stop travel has contributed to a higher proportion of direct flights, which now stands at 57 percent, up from 54 percent in 2019.

Rising Preference for Non-Stop Flights

The growing trend towards direct flights can be attributed to expanded offerings by airlines such as IndiGo and Tata’s Air India Group, along with new entrants like Akasa and various foreign carriers. This shift has reduced the reliance on indirect routes, with 2.5 million fewer passengers choosing connecting flights, dropping the total to 27 million. Indian airports are also emerging as crucial transfer hubs, with 1 million passengers using them to connect to global destinations.

Decline in Gulf Hubs, Rise in Indian Connectivity

The OAG report highlights a decrease in traffic through Gulf countries, which saw a loss of 1 million indirect passengers between 2019 and 2023. Conversely, Indian hubs gained 1 million indirect passengers during this period, reflecting a strategic shift in international air traffic. Indian airlines have bolstered this trend by launching 52 new international routes in the past four years, enhancing the country’s global connectivity.

Domestic Travel Hits New Heights

India’s domestic aviation sector is also booming, with a record 79.35 million passengers flown from January to June 2024. This figure marks a 4 percent increase over the same period last year and surpasses the previous record of 76.09 million passengers set in 2023. The domestic market has more than doubled in size over the past decade, from 38.83 million passengers in 2015, underscoring the robust growth in India’s aviation sector.

Expanding Global Footprint

Data from Crisil Ratings reveals that Indian airlines now account for approximately 43 percent of international passenger traffic related to India, a significant rise from less than 35 percent pre-pandemic. This growth highlights the increasing demand for international travel among Indian citizens and the expanding global footprint of Indian airlines.