Air passenger traffic in India expected to reach 300 million by 2030: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Representational image/File photo

The number of domestic air passengers in India is expected to surge to 300 million annually by 2030 from 153 million in 2023, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Thursday.

Speaking at the inaugural session of Wings India 2024, a civil aviation conclave and exhibition at Hyderabad, Jyotiraditya Scindia also said the number of airports and watersports in India will increase to over 200 from the existing 149, news wire PTI reported.

The minister added that, with 300 million passengers a year in 2030, India's aviation penetration would be at 10 to 15 per cent and still be a potential market.

Scindia also said that the domestic air passenger traffic has witnessed 15 per cent growth CAGR, while the international air passenger traffic saw 6.1 per cent growth in the last decade. In the last 15 years, domestic cargo witnessed a growth of 60 per cent and international at 53 per cent, the PTI report said.

India is set to demonstrate its aviation prowess to the world at the Wings India 2024 event. The annual global aviation event is been held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad from January 19 to 24, 2024.

"The largest Civil Aviation event of Asia will be a great occasion for Commercial, General & Business Aviation to reap rich dividends through knowledge sharing and exploring business opportunities, together", the office of Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia posted on X.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation General VK Singh and Telangana Minister K Venkat Reddy were also present at the event. Speaking at the event, General VK Singh underscored the pivotal role of international collaboration in shaping the future of the aviation sector. He emphasized the need for partnerships and cooperation on a global scale to ensure the continued growth and resilience of the Indian aviation industry.

While, Remi Maillard, Chairman FICCI Civil Aviation Committee & President and MD - Airbus (India & South Asia) said that, "The global aviation landscape is shifting towards India & what we're witnessing is just the beginning - the tip of the iceberg."

(With PTI inputs)