Indian aviation sector achieved a historic milestone on 17th November 2024, with over 5 lakh (0.5 or half a million) domestic passengers flying across India on that day.
The Indian aviation sector achieved a historic milestone on Sunday, November 17, 2024, with 5,05,412 domestic passengers travelling across India in airlines, on that single day.
This is the first time that the number of domestic passengers have surpassed the 5-lakh mark in India. On that day, there were more than 3,100 planes that took off, taking more than five lakh passengers in total.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India, informed about this new record in their report on 18th November 2024. As per their report, the passenger count has been increasing continuously after the UDAN – “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik” scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 21, 2016.
As per their report, this achievement reflects the Indian aviation sector’s rapid expansion, supported by enhanced connectivity, passenger-friendly policies, and increased accessibility to affordable air travel. The report further states that it highlights the seamless efforts of all stakeholders, from airlines to airport operators, in providing reliable and efficient services to passengers.
The Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu said that “this number shows that the air travel is now more accessible to the people of India.” He further added that this landmark became possible because of the schemes like UDAN which has brought air travel closer to the people and that UDAN has revolutionised the air travel by connecting remote parts of India to global destinations.
Recently, earlier this month on 5th of November 2024, Indian Government had okayed the airlines in India to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services in domestic flights, and there was further news on November 17 that that SpaceX will be launching an ISRO Satellite which will provide in-flight Wi-Fi internet services in India.
And even earlier this year in April 2024, India's DGCA had updated the Air Transport Circular and allowed unbundled services on opt-in basis in domestic airlines in India.
References
- Aviation sector sees new high as five lakh domestic passengers fly in a day - Ministry of Railways, Posted On: 18 NOV 2024 8:34PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 18 November 2024.