International Routes See 64.5 Million Passengers from January to November 2024, Marking an 11.4% Increase: Government Report

New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) A remarkable 64.5 million passengers were transported on international routes by both scheduled Indian and foreign airlines during the January-November period of 2024, achieving an increase of 11.4 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2023 when 58 million air travelers were recorded, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Out of the total 64.5 million passengers last year, 29.8 million passengers were served by Indian carriers, while 34.7 million passengers were transported by foreign airlines, as per the data.

During the January-November duration, domestic airlines executed a total of 1.02 million flights, carrying 146.4 million passengers, in contrast to 0.97 million flights that transported 138.2 million scheduled passengers in the previous year 2023 (January-November), according to earlier statistics released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The ministry noted, “The growth of 5.9 percent in the number of domestic passengers carried by scheduled domestic Indian carriers was observed in the year 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023.”

Additionally, domestic air passenger traffic achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 5 lakh on a single day for the first time on November 17, 2024.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, effective from January 1, aims to modernize India's aviation sector by revamping the Aircraft Act, 1934 to meet contemporary needs and align with global standards.

This new legislation is designed to promote indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, align with international agreements such as the Chicago Convention and ICAO, and streamline regulatory processes, including simplifying license issuance, as stated by the government.

As part of the expansion, notable infrastructure advancements last year included the establishment of new terminals in Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated airports in Sarsawa, Rewa, and Ambikapur, enhancing regional connectivity.

The government has granted 'in-principle' approval for the development of 21 Greenfield Airports across the nation.

To encourage gender equality in the aviation sector, an advisory has been issued urging stakeholders to increase the representation of women in various roles to 25 percent by 2025 within India's aviation industry, according to the ministry.

Furthermore, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu is advocating for the adoption of conventional energy sources at airports to reduce the carbon footprint of operations.

The ministry reports that 80 airports have transitioned to 100 percent green energy usage, with 12 airports making this shift in 2024.