India’s Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Surges by 15% in May 2023: DGCA

According to the latest data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s domestic air passenger traffic experienced a significant growth of 15% in May 2023 compared to the same period last year.

The total number of passengers reached an impressive 132.67 lakh passengers, indicating a positive trend in the country’s aviation sector.

IndiGo Market Share Increased

Among the various airlines operating in India, low-cost carrier IndiGo emerged as the leading player in the market. During the previous month, IndiGo’s market share increased from 57.5% to an impressive 61.4%.

The airline successfully carried a total of 81.10 lakh passengers, solidifying its position as the preferred choice for domestic air travel in India.

Grounding of Go First

The month of May 2023 also witnessed the grounding of Go First, a city-based carrier. Currently undergoing insolvency proceedings at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Go First has not operated any flights since May 3.

During this time period, this incident had an impact on the overall dynamics of India’s domestic aviation sector.

Tata Group Airlines Experience Sequential Market Share Growth

Three airlines under the Tata Group umbrella, namely Air India, AirAsia India, and Vistara, experienced sequential market share growth in May 2023. These airlines collectively accounted for a substantial portion of the total traffic pie.

• Air India captured a market share of 9.4% during this period.
• AirAsia India secured a market share of 7.9%.
• Vistara achieved a market share of 9%.
• Air India carried a total of 12.44 lakh passengers, while Vistara transported 11.95 lakh passengers.
• AirAsia India recorded 10.41 lakh passengers during the month.

Akasa Air’s Growing Market Share

Akasa Air, which commenced its air services in August 2022, witnessed an increase in its market share during the previous month. Its market share rose from 4% in April 2023 to 4.8% in May 2023. This growth reflects the airline’s efforts to expand its presence in the Indian domestic market.

On-Time Performance

Akasa Air also achieved a commendable on-time performance in May 2023, recording an impressive 92.6% punctuality rate. This made it the highest-performing domestic carrier among the four key metro airports in India. The airline’s commitment to punctuality highlights its dedication to providing a reliable and efficient travel experience to its passengers.

It is worth mentioning here that the On-Time Performance (OTP) of scheduled domestic airlines has been computed for four metro airports viz. Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

Bottomline

In conclusion, India’s domestic air passenger traffic exhibited substantial growth in May 2023, reflecting the recovery and resilience of the aviation industry. IndiGo maintained its leading position, while Tata Group Airlines and Akasa Air showcased positive performance trends.

However, the grounding of Go First impacted the market dynamics, and Akasa Air’s exceptional punctuality rate further solidified its reputation. These developments contribute to the overall progress of India’s aviation sector.