In a landmark achievement, the Indian aviation sector crossed a significant milestone on November 17, 2024, with 5,05,412 domestic passengers flying across the country daily. This marks the first time India has surpassed the 5-lakh daily passenger mark, underlining its growing influence in the global aviation market. More than 3,100 flights operated nationwide to accommodate the record-breaking number of passengers.
This surge in passenger traffic follows a continuous upward trend since Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme on October 21, 2016. Designed to make air travel affordable and accessible, the scheme has played a pivotal role in connecting remote areas of the country with the broader aviation network. The achievement reflects the sector’s rapid expansion, driven by enhanced connectivity, passenger-centric policies, and affordable ticketing.
Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “This number shows that air travel is now more accessible to the people of India.” He attributed the milestone to government initiatives like UDAN, which has revolutionized air travel by bridging remote regions with major cities and global destinations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been instrumental in this growth, implementing strategies such as the development of greenfield airports, regional connectivity schemes, and the digitalization of passenger services. The milestone underscores the collaborative efforts of airlines, airport operators, and other stakeholders to provide efficient and reliable services.
As India’s aviation industry develops, this accomplishment reinforces its position as a key driver of economic development and global connectivity.(PR)