New Delhi
India’s aviation sector is developing rapidly. Data for the first 11 months (January-November) of 2024 show that a total of 64.5 million international passengers were carried by Indian and foreign airlines, an increase of 11.4% over the same period in 2023. According to the data, out of the 64.5 million passengers, 29.8 million were carried by Indian airlines, while 34.7 million were carried by foreign airlines. This shows that the share of Indian carriers has increased, but the contribution of foreign airlines has also been significant.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), domestic airlines operated 1.02 million flights in the first 11 months of 2024, carrying a total of 146.4 million passengers. In the same period last year (2023), there were 0.97 million flights, carrying 138.2 million passengers. It is clear from this that the number of domestic passengers has also increased in 2024, reaching 5.9%. A new record was set on November 17, 2024 when 5 lakh domestic air passengers started traveling in a single day. This reflects the growing influence of the Indian aviation sector and passenger traffic.
Impact of Indian Aircraft Act 2024
The Indian Aircraft Act 2024, which came into effect from January 1, 2024, aims to modernize the aviation sector. It amends the old Aircraft Act, 1934 in line with contemporary requirements and global standards. The government says that this new law will promote ‘Make in India’ and self-reliant India initiative. Besides, it will also be aligned with international standards like Chicago Convention and ICAO, so that India’s aviation sector matches the world standards.
Important steps in infrastructure development
The government took forward several important infrastructure development works last year. Foundation stones for new airport terminals were laid in Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated new airports in Sarsawa, Rewa, and Ambikapur, improving regional connectivity. The government has also given ‘in-principle’ approval for the construction of 21 greenfield airports across the country. This step is extremely important to brighten the future of India’s aviation sector.
Emphasis on gender equality and environment
To promote gender equality in the aviation sector, the ministry has urged all stakeholders to increase the number of women in the Indian aviation industry to 25 per cent by 2025. Additionally, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has issued guidelines to promote the use of green energy at airports. According to the ministry, 80 airports have started using 100% green energy and 12 airports will take steps in this direction by 2024.
