Number Of International Air Passengers Surges By 88 Per Cent In Q1 2023: Govt

The number of passengers carried by scheduled Indian and Foreign carriers for international operations in the first quarter of 2023 surged by around 88 per cent compared to the same period in 2022, the Parliament was informed on Thursday (20 July).

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation General (Retired) V K Singh said that the number of international passengers had been affected adversely due to COVID-19.

"However, the situation has improved as witnessed by rebound in air travellers after the resumption of scheduled international commercial passenger operations with effect from 27 March 2022," the minister added.

"Passengers carried by scheduled Indian and Foreign carriers for scheduled international operations in the first quarter of 2023 show an increase of about 88 per cent over the passenger figures of first quarter of 2022 as per provisional figures available," the minister informed.

He added that the market share of scheduled domestic airlines for international passengers has not shown an increase as per provisional figures available.

The minister also listed various steps taken by the government to attract domestic and international passengers and to give boost to aviation industry in the country.

These steps include implementation of the UDAN scheme to enhance regional connectivity in the domestic sector.

Further, in the international sector, 18 tourist destinations of India have been made available for SAARC (except Afghanistan and Pakistan) and ASEAN countries to/from which designated carriers of India as well as designated carriers of SAARC and ASEAN countries can mount unlimited operations, the minister informed.

Additionally, in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, the government has, on reciprocal basis, offered open sky arrangements to SAARC countries and countries located beyond 5,000 km from Delhi, he said.

As on date, India has open sky arrangements with 23 countries which has facilitated unlimited operations between India and these countries, the minister added.