Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) recorded a 4 percent year-on-year surge in passenger traffic, managing over 4.42 million passengers in October, as stated by Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) on Friday. The growth was credited to an upsurge in travel demand during the festive season, which included key festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Chhath Puja.
Festive season contributes to traffic surge
As per the latest data, CSMIA which is India’s second busiest airport managed 3.16 million domestic passengers and more than 1.25 million international travellers in October. The airport is 74 percent owned by the Adani Group and 26 percent by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) marking a major boost in air travel during the festive period. There were 939 flight movements including arrivals and departures on October 26, the last Saturday before the Diwali festival. That day was recorded as the busiest day of the month.
The airport reported 7,222 international air traffic movements (ATMs) and 19,848 domestic traffic movements, facilitating a hike in available travel options for flyers. The MAIL mentioned, ”travellers flocked to celebrate the festival of lights, leading to a significant increase in both domestic and international traffic.”
Meanwhile, CSMIA is all set to increase flight movements slightly by 2 percent this winter, with weekly operations likely to climb 3,372 flights. The winter schedule which started from October 27, 2024, and will continue till March 29, 2025, will be inclusive of 2,361 domestic and 1,011 international flights.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Indian Airlines is expected to operate 25,007 weekly flights across 124 airports during the winter season. A rise of 5.37 percent is marked in comparison to last year’s plan. The enhanced connectivity will cater to the growing travel demand and will offer flyers with wider options of destinations.
(With inputs from PTI)