How Did India's Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Reach 16.54 Crore in FY25?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable recovery, India's domestic air passenger traffic surged to 16.54 crore in FY25, exceeding pre-Covid levels. This article explores the significant growth in both domestic and international travel, highlighting trends and projections for the future of Indian aviation.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic air passenger traffic reached 16.54 crore in FY25.
- Year-on-year growth of 7.6 percent was recorded.
- International traffic saw a 14.1 percent increase.
- Passenger load factor stood at 86 percent.
- Future projections indicate continued growth in the aviation sector.
New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) The domestic air passenger traffic has soared to 16.54 crore in FY25, marking a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 7.6 percent. This figure is also 16.8 percent higher than the pre-Covid benchmark of approximately 14.15 crore recorded in FY20, as per a report released on Friday.
In terms of international travel, Indian airlines reported 3.38 crore passengers in FY25, achieving a YoY growth of 14.1 percent, which surpasses the pre-Covid level of 2.27 crore by 49 percent, according to data from ratings agency ICRA.
For April 2025 alone, domestic passenger traffic was projected at 1.45 crore, reflecting a 10.2 percent increase compared to April 2024.
Airlines have ramped up their capacity by 6.9 percent in April 2025 compared to the same month last year.
The domestic aviation sector has recorded a robust passenger load factor (PLF) of 86 percent in FY25, indicating a strong demand and effective operations among airlines.
The highest single-day domestic air traffic was documented on February 23, with 5,35,343 passengers flying nationwide, influenced by the increased travel during the Maha Kumbh event in Prayagraj.
Looking forward, ICRA has upheld a ‘Stable’ outlook for the Indian aviation sector, projecting domestic passenger traffic to rise by an additional 7-10 percent in FY26, while international traffic may see an increase of 15-20 percent.
Despite some airlines having sufficient liquidity or financial backing from strong parent companies, the credit metrics and liquidity of others may remain under strain in the near term, even with some recent improvements, as noted in the report.
Additionally, ICRA’s previous report estimated domestic air passenger traffic for March at 148.8 lakh, representing an 11.3 percent rise annually and a 5.9 percent increase compared to 140.4 lakh in February 2025.
Point of View
It is evident that the resurgence of India's aviation sector reflects both strong demand and efficient operations. While challenges remain for certain airlines, the overall outlook is promising, suggesting a robust recovery trajectory.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the domestic air passenger traffic for FY25?
The domestic air passenger traffic reached 16.54 crore in FY25, showing a 7.6 percent year-on-year growth.
How does FY25's passenger traffic compare to pre-Covid levels?
The FY25 traffic is 16.8 percent higher than the pre-Covid level of 14.15 crore recorded in FY20.
What growth is expected for the aviation sector in FY26?
Domestic passenger traffic is projected to grow by 7-10 percent, while international traffic may rise by 15-20 percent.
What was the passenger load factor (PLF) in FY25?
The domestic aviation industry recorded a passenger load factor of 86 percent in FY25.
What factors contributed to the high passenger traffic in February?
The peak passenger traffic on February 23 was largely driven by the increased travel around the Maha Kumbh event in Prayagraj.
