Reaching New Heights: India's Aviation Revolution

India's aviation sector is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, catapulting the nation into a prominent position on the global stage. From its origins as a luxury reserved for the affluent, air travel in India has evolved into a vital industry accessible to a broader spectrum of society. Currently ranked as the seventh largest civil aviation market globally, India is on track to become the third-largest market within the next decade. This growth is fueled 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, approaching 97 percent of pre-pandemic levels during FY22-23, highlights the industry's resilience and potential for further expansion. Central 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 underscore its commitment to fostering sustained growth and accessibility within the aviation sector.