The ease of domestic air travel in 2024 continues to garner attention as Indian airlines recorded a significant surge in passenger numbers for the month of July. According to official data released on Monday (August 19), Indian airlines transported over 1.29 crore passengers in July, marking a notable increase of more than 7.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. This demonstrated a positive trend in domestic air travel, reaffirming the gradual recovery of the aviation sector.
Despite the impressive growth, July’s air traffic figures represented a slight dip from the preceding month, as domestic airlines carried 1.32 crore passengers in June 2024. However, the industry’s resilience and adaptability during these challenging times are apparent in the consistent year-on-year growth.
IndiGo, the leading player in the domestic aviation market, continued to assert its dominance, capturing an impressive 62 per cent market share in July. In contrast, Air India witnessed a decline, with its market share dropping to 14.3 per cent. The competitive landscape also witnessed noteworthy shifts, as demonstrated by Vistara’s market share climbing to 10 per cent, while AIX Connect and SpiceJet experienced declines to 4.5 per cent and 3.1 per cent, respectively. Additionally, Akasa Air and Alliance Air observed a slight decline in their shares to 4.7 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry.
The remarkable growth in passenger numbers during the first seven months of 2024 further underscores the upward trajectory of domestic air travel. With 923.35 lakh passengers carried by domestic airlines from January to July 2024, the industry registered a commendable annual growth of 4.70 per cent, coupled with a monthly growth of 7.33 per cent. This sustained momentum signifies a positive outlook for the sector, bolstered by evolving consumer preferences and improving economic conditions.
Despite the substantial increase in air travel, the industry encountered operational challenges, including denied boarding, flight cancellations, and delays. A total of 1,114 passengers were denied boarding in July, prompting airlines to allocate Rs 112.71 lakh towards compensations and facilities. Additionally, 1,54,770 passengers were affected by cancellations, leading to airlines disbursing Rs 110.59 lakh for compensations and facilities. Furthermore, 3,20,302 passengers experienced flight delays, resulting in airlines allocating Rs 341.05 lakh for facilitation. The overall cancellation rate of the airlines reached 1.90 per cent, underscoring the need for enhanced operational efficiency and customer service initiatives.
Amidst the growth in air travel, the industry also received 1,097 passenger-related complaints in July 2024, with the number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried hovering around 0.84. This emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to address passenger grievances and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
The burgeoning air travel landscape in India reflects the evolving dynamics of the aviation industry, marked by both opportunities and challenges. As the sector continues to adapt to changing consumer demands and market trends, stakeholders must strive to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for passengers, further bolstering the ease of domestic air travel in 2024.
