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Domestic air passengers doubled from 60 million in 2014 to 143 million in 2020: Aviation Minister Scindia
India has expanded its aircraft fleet, which has doubled over the past nine years, and has surpassed 700 aircraft, according to Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Union Civil Aviation Minister. Domestic air travel has surged by 130%, with over 145 million passengers.
Updated Jun 7, 2023 | 07:34 PM IST
India's aircraft fleet has witnessed a remarkable expansion, doubling in size over the past nine years and surpassing 700 aircraft, according to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia. In a press conference held in New Delhi, Scindia highlighted the significant growth in the aviation sector and unveiled ongoing capital expenditure initiatives totaling Rs 1 lakh crore. It is anticipated that the private sector will contribute approximately Rs 70,000 crore to this investment.
Scindia emphasized the surge in domestic air travel, with a staggering 130 percent increase in passenger numbers, reaching an estimated annual count of 145 million passengers. The minister also noted a significant upswing in international passenger movement, with a 50 percent surge indicating a growing desire among Indians to travel abroad. Around 70 million passengers now embark on international journeys each year, according to
The cargo transportation sector has also witnessed notable growth, with a substantial 35 percent increase in movement over the past nine years. The total cargo movement now exceeds 3.6 million tonnes, showcasing India's expanding role in the global cargo market.
In addition to fleet expansion, the Indian government has made significant efforts to enhance airport infrastructure, including the construction of 11 new greenfield airports over the past nine years. Special attention has been given to developing airports in the northeast region, resulting in the successful establishment of eight new airports in that area.
Scindia highlighted the success of the UDAN Scheme, which aims to enhance air connectivity and promote socio-economic growth. Under this scheme, several routes connecting certain Indian states with international destinations have been proposed, and four routes have already been awarded, including Guwahati-Dhaka, Guwahati-Bangkok, Imphal-Mandalay, and Agartala-Chittagong.
The minister also mentioned the revival of dilapidated World War II-era airstrips under the UDAN Scheme, which has led to economic activity in those regions. Notable success stories include airports in Darbhanga, Belgavi, Jharsuguda, Rupsi, Kishangarh, Hubli, Jagdalpur, Kurnool, and Pasighat.
Furthermore, Scindia provided updates on the number of flying training organizations (FTOs) and commercial pilot licenses (CPLs) issued in recent years. The number of FTOs has increased from 29 in June 2016 to 35 with 54 bases currently, and by December 2023, nine more bases are expected to be added, bringing the total to 63. The number of CPLs issued in 2022 reached an all-time high of 1,165, indicating a growing interest in aviation careers.
These developments reflect the significant growth and positive transformations taking place in India's aviation sector, showcasing its potential as a major player in the global aviation industry.
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