Did India’s Airlines Experience an 8.5% Rise in Domestic Passengers in April?
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Synopsis
India’s airlines have seen a remarkable surge in domestic passengers, reaching over 1.43 crore in April, which indicates an 8.45% growth compared to the previous year. Despite challenges posed by bad weather, major airlines including IndiGo and Air India have improved their market shares and passenger load factors.
Key Takeaways
- 1.43 crore domestic passengers traveled in April 2023.
- Passenger numbers increased by 8.45 percent year-on-year.
- IndiGo maintained a strong market share of 64.1 percent.
- Weather-related cancellations impacted 20,840 passengers.
- Air India Group's market share rose to 27.2 percent.
New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) In April of this year, the number of travelers utilizing India’s domestic airlines surpassed 1.43 crore, reflecting an impressive 8.45 percent rise from the same month last year, notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions that affected operations during the month, as per data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
The total passengers transported by domestic airlines from January to April 2023 reached 575.13 lakh, showcasing a 9.87 percent increase compared to 523.46 lakh during the same timeframe last year.
Adverse weather conditions played a crucial role in flight cancellations throughout April, contributing to 38.8 percent of all ticket cancellations. This disruption affected 20,840 passengers, leading airlines to incur a compensation cost of Rs 41.69 lakh, which represents a significant 117 percent increase from the previous month.
Additionally, a considerable number of travelers faced delays, with 96,350 individuals experiencing delays in April, marking a 68 percent increase from March. Approximately 70 percent of these delays were categorized as "reactionary," primarily due to the late arrival of aircraft from previous flights.
IndiGo, the country’s leading domestic airline, enhanced its passenger market share to 64.1 percent in April, up from 64 percent in March. The airline also improved its passenger load factor to 86.9 percent from 84.6 percent, according to DGCA statistics.
The Air India Group also expanded its market share to 27.2 percent from 26.7 percent during the month, with its passenger load factor rising to 83.3 percent, up from 80.6 percent. Akasa Air's market share remained steady at 5 percent. Meanwhile, the financially troubled SpiceJet saw a drop in market share from 2.6 percent to 3.3 percent, but it did see an increase in its load factor, which rose to 86 percent from 84.8 percent.
Akasa Air achieved the highest passenger load factor of 93 percent in April, compared to 92.5 percent in March.
The load factor is a critical metric that measures the percentage of available seats on a flight that are occupied by paying passengers, reflecting the efficiency and profitability of an airline.
In April 2025, domestic airlines received a total of 910 passenger-related complaints. The complaints per 10,000 passengers carried in April 2025 stood at approximately 0.64.
Point of View
It's evident that despite facing challenges, India's domestic aviation sector is on an upward trajectory. The increase in passenger numbers and improvements in load factors across major airlines reflect a resilient market. This trend is essential for the country’s economic recovery, and we must continue to support and monitor its progress.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the percentage increase in domestic air travel in April?
The domestic air travel in India saw a remarkable increase of 8.45 percent in April compared to the same month last year.
How many passengers used domestic airlines from January to April 2023?
From January to April 2023, domestic airlines transported 575.13 lakh passengers.
What caused flight disruptions in April?
Flight disruptions in April were largely due to bad weather, which accounted for 38.8 percent of all cancellations.
Which airline had the highest market share in April?
IndiGo held the highest market share at 64.1 percent in April.
What is the significance of the load factor in aviation?
The load factor indicates the efficiency of an airline in filling its available seats, which is crucial for profitability.
