Passengers carried by Indian Civil Aviation from 2011 to 2025

India’s aviation sector witnessed impressive growth in passenger traffic between 2011 and 2019. The number of air passengers more than doubled from 752.1 lakh in 2011-12 to 1,662.3 lakh in 2018-19, marking a significant 121% increase over seven years. This surge was largely driven by a growing middle class, more affordable air travel, and better connectivity across the country. The steepest growth was seen between 2014-15 and 2018-19, with consistent year-on-year increases reflecting strong demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on air travel. In 2020-21, passenger traffic collapsed to just 533.3 lakh, a staggering 67% decline from the pre-pandemic peak. This sharp drop was an obvious result of strict lockdowns, travel restrictions, and reduced consumer confidence. However, the recovery started in 2021-22, when the number of passengers climbed back to 843 lakh—though still significantly below pre-pandemic levels.  The aviation industry recovered well in the post-pandemic period. In 2022–2023, passenger volume increased to 1,599 lakh to reach the pre-pandemic levels. However, the momentum also continued in 2023-24, and the number of air passengers reached to 1,832.6 lakh, setting a new record. This rebound clearly showed pent-up demand and renewed confidence in air travel.

Surprisingly, the provisional figures for 2024-25 suggest a major slowdown, with passenger numbers projected to drop sharply to 956.08 lakh. This unexpected decline could be due to multiple reasons—economic uncertainties, higher fares, or shifts in travel behaviour. It raises concerns about whether the sector can sustain its growth in the long run. Looking at the overall trend from 2011 to 2024, India’s aviation sector has seen remarkable highs and challenging lows. The industry has proven its resilience but also remains highly sensitive to external shocks, whether economic, global, or pandemic-related. The coming years will be crucial in determining if this recent slowdown is just a temporary dip or an early sign of a new phase in the sector’s journey.