Ascending Skies: India's Aviation Sojourn

India's aviation sector is on a trajectory of remarkable growth and transformation, heralding a new era of accessibility and connectivity. From its origins as a luxury accessible only to a select few, air travel in India has evolved into a vital industry catering to a diverse demographic. Currently ranked as the seventh largest civil aviation market globally, India is poised to claim the third spot within the next decade. This growth is underpinned by a surge in domestic air travel, with India now boasting the third-largest domestic market globally, trailing only the United States and China. The recent resurgence in domestic air traffic, nearing 97 percent of pre-pandemic levels during FY22-23, underscores the industry's resilience and potential for further expansion. Key to this expansion is the proliferation of operational airports, which have increased from 74 to 140 over the past eight years. Looking ahead, the government's ambitious plans to develop an additional 220 airports within the next five years signal a commitment to fostering sustained growth and accessibility within the aviation sector.