India Anticipates 300 Million Air Passengers by 2030, Says Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced at the Wings India 2024 event that the number of domestic air passengers in India is anticipated to reach 300 million annually by 2030, a significant increase from 153 million in 2023. Speaking during the inaugural session of the civil aviation conclave and exhibition, Scindia lauded India’s standing in the global civil aviation sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade, describing the nation as a “shining star.”

He outlined plans for the expansion of infrastructure, stating that the current 149 airports and wardrobes in the country would be augmented to over 200. Despite the projected surge in passengers, Scindia emphasized that even with 300 million domestic passengers by 2030, India’s aviation penetration would only be at 10-15%, underscoring the vast untapped market potential. He noted that India’s current penetration is approximately 3 to 4%, set to grow to 10 to 15%, leaving an 85% penetration gap.

Highlighting the growth trends, Scindia shared that domestic air passenger traffic had witnessed a 15% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last decade, while international air passenger traffic grew at 6.1%. Presently, India ranks as the third-largest domestic civil aviation market globally and the seventh-largest in international civil aviation. When combined, India stands as the fifth-largest civil aviation market in the world.

Discussing cargo traffic, Scindia reported a 60% growth in domestic cargo and a 53% increase in international cargo over the past 15 years. He expressed the opinion, shared by industry consultants, that domestic air traffic, which rose from 60 million in 2014 to 153 million in the last calendar year, is expected to reach 300 million by 2030.

Addressing the fleet size, Scindia noted its expansion from 400 to over 700, making India the largest purchaser of aircraft globally after the US and China. The fleet size is projected to further increase to upwards of 2,000 in the next decade.

Scindia highlighted the government’s efforts in modernizing and building infrastructure, with 75 additional airports, waterdromes, and heliports established in the last decade. The goal is to raise the total number to over 200 by 2030. He also launched the Udan 5.3 scheme, a regional connectivity initiative that has led to the development of infrastructure at 76 airports, waterdromes, and heliports, enabling the operation of 517 new routes. The event featured speeches by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation General (retd) VK Singh and Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister K Venkat Reddy.