Monday, September 16, 2024 India’s aviation sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, with an increasing number of travelers now favoring direct flights between India and international destinations. This shift is largely driven by the rise in overseas flights from airlines such as IndiGo and Air India, which is part of the Tata Group. The entry of new players like Akasa Air, along with more foreign airlines operating in India, has significantly altered travel behaviors, reducing the reliance on stopovers at major international hubs.
A study by UK-based aviation consultancy OAG highlights this trend, comparing pre-pandemic data from 2019 to figures from 2023. In 2023, India’s international air passenger traffic was approximately 6.5 crore, slightly down by 6 lakh compared to 2019.
Out of this, 3.7 crore passengers flew directly, an increase of 20 lakh from 2019. Meanwhile, those opting for indirect routes decreased by 25 lakh, bringing the total to 2.
7 crore. As a result, the proportion of passengers choosing non-stop flights rose from 54% to 57%. Moreover, 10 lakh travelers used Indian airports for transfers, including routes like Kathmandu to New York via Delhi.
Direct connectivity has expanded further, with countries like Vietnam and Indonesia introducing new routes to India, minimizing the need for stopover flights unless specifically preferred. OAG’s analysis also shows a sharp decline in traffic through traditional hub airports, particularly in the Middle East, which saw a reduction of 10 lakh passengers opting for indirect routes from 2019 to 2023. Other global hubs experienced a loss of 28 lakh indirect travelers during the same period, while Indian airports gained 10 lakh in transfer passengers.
Over the past four years, Indian carriers have launched 52 new international routes. Since 2014, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Modi, has followed a cautious policy regarding bilateral flying agreements with other nations. This approach aims to shield domestic carriers while nurturing India’s potential as a global aviation hub.
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