India’s domestic air passenger traffic is expected to double by 2030, reaching 300 million from the current 153 million in 2023, according to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. He made this announcement at the Wings India 2024 conference in Hyderabad. Scindia also mentioned that despite recent growth, India’s aviation market still has room for expansion. He highlighted the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and simplify processes to support the aviation industry and achieve a $20 trillion economy by 2047.
Scindia pointed out the achievements in civil aviation since the BJP-led NDA came to power in 2014. The number of airports in India has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 149 in 2023, with plans to increase it to 200 by 2030. The government has also given approval for 21 new airports, out of which 12 are already operational. Scindia emphasized the government’s aim to develop heliports in every district.
The minister stated that apart from Tier 1 cities, the focus is on expanding operations to Tier 2 and 3 cities and increasing capacities in metro cities. The throughput of six metro cities is expected to increase from 261 million passengers to 420 million with the addition of greenfield airports in Navi Mumbai and Jewar.
Scindia highlighted the success of the UDAN scheme in promoting tourism, trade, and local economies. The scheme has transformed old airstrips and airports, benefiting over 1.32 crore people through more than 2.5 lakh flights. The government has provided nearly Rs 3,100 crore in VGF, awarded 1,300 UDAN routes, and operationalized 517 routes under the scheme.
Furthermore, Scindia mentioned that efforts have been made to reduce value-added tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in 19 states, resulting in rates ranging from one to four percent. Only five states still levy higher taxes on ATF.
