Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Soars by 22.81% in August: DGCA Report

In a recent report released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), domestic air passenger traffic in India experienced a remarkable surge, with a 22.81% increase in August this year compared to the same period last year.

IndiGo Leads the Way

During the month of August, budget carrier IndiGo emerged as the frontrunner, having flown a staggering 78.67 lakh passengers, accounting for a significant 63.3% of the total domestic passenger volume in India. IndiGo’s impressive performance played a pivotal role in driving the overall growth of the aviation sector.

Air India and AIX Connect Show Strong Presence

Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group, showcased a strong performance by transporting 12.12 lakh passengers during August.

Additionally, its wholly-owned subsidiary, AIX Connect (formerly known as AirAsia India), contributed significantly by carrying 9.78 lakh passengers. Together, they played a substantial role in shaping the domestic aviation landscape.

Market Share Breakdown

According to DGCA data, Air India secured a market share of 9.8%, while AIX Connect held a market share of 7.1% during the month. This information highlights the competitive edge these airlines maintain in the Indian aviation sector.

Vistara’s Impact and Merger Progress

Vistara, a 51:49 joint venture airline between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, is in the process of merging with Air India. During August, Vistara flew 12.17 lakh passengers, accounting for a market share of 9.8%.

This underscores the strategic importance of the merger and its potential to reshape the industry.

Collective Efforts Drive Growth

In the preceding month, Air India, Vistara, and AirAsia India jointly carried an impressive total of 33.07 lakh passengers, demonstrating their collective strength in the Indian market.

Vistara Leads in Load Factor

Vistara further distinguished itself by achieving the highest load factor among all domestic airlines, boasting an impressive 91.3% load factor during the previous month.

IndiGo’s Exceptional On-Time Performance

IndiGo maintained its reputation for punctuality, with a remarkable 89% of its flights adhering to schedule. This exceptional on-time performance applied to flights arriving at and departing from four key airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

The robust growth in domestic air passenger traffic, coupled with the competitive dynamics among key players, signifies a promising future for India’s aviation industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, it remains essential to monitor the progress and potential impact of mergers like that of Vistara and Air India on the overall landscape.