The domestic aviation sector has experienced robust growth in the first half of 2024, with airlines carrying 7.93 crore passengers from January to June, compared to 7.60 crore during the same period last year. This marks an annual increase of 4.28% and a notable monthly growth of 5.76%, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Rising Demand for Air Travel
The overall rise in passenger numbers reflects the increasing demand for air travel in India, with domestic airlines transporting a total of 15.2 crore passengers in 2023, up from 12.32 crore in 2022. This surge represents an impressive annual growth rate of 23.36%.
However, the DGCA reported that the overall cancellation rate for scheduled domestic airlines in May 2024 was 1.70%. Weather conditions accounted for the largest share of cancellations at 39.6%, followed by operational reasons at 23%, miscellaneous causes at 19.5%, technical issues at 16.4%, and commercial reasons at 1.3%.
In May 2024, airlines also received 723 passenger-related complaints, translating to approximately 0.52 complaints per 10,000 passengers carried. This data highlights the importance of maintaining high customer service standards as air travel continues to grow.
The increase in passenger traffic underscores the collaborative efforts of airlines, airports, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to create a safe, efficient, and customer-focused aviation environment. The DGCA, which regulates air transport services in India and ensures compliance with safety and airworthiness standards, continues to play a crucial role in supporting the aviation sector’s positive trajectory.
As the industry progresses, the focus remains on enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, ensuring that air travel in India meets the evolving needs of passengers.