Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Rises 11% to 140.44 Lakh in February: DGCA

India’s domestic air passenger traffic saw a significant surge in February 2025, with a notable 11% year-on-year increase. According to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the number of passengers traveling on domestic routes reached 140.44 lakh during the month, compared to 126.42 lakh in February 2024. This growth highlights the steady recovery of the aviation sector, driven by increased consumer confidence and expanded airline operations.

Factors Contributing to the Growth

Several factors have contributed to this strong growth in domestic air travel. A primary reason is the consistent rise in demand for air travel among the growing middle-class population. Improved affordability and competitive airfares offered by airlines have also played a crucial role in attracting more passengers.

Additionally, increased connectivity between Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has boosted domestic travel. The government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme has further expanded air network accessibility, making air travel a viable option for a larger section of the population.

Performance of Airlines

India’s major airlines experienced positive results during February. Market leaders like IndiGo and Air India maintained strong market shares, while newer players like Akasa  Air continued to expand their operations. IndiGo retained its top spot with over 55% market share, driven by its extensive domestic network and fleet expansion. Air India and Vistara, under the Tata Group, also reported improved passenger numbers, benefiting from streamlined operations and enhanced service quality.

Meanwhile, SpiceJet showed signs of recovery, backed by strategic restructuring and additional capital infusion. The airline’s passenger load factor (PLF), an important indicator of capacity utilization, remained relatively high. Overall, most Indian carriers reported robust PLFs, indicating efficient capacity management and growing passenger demand.

Seasonal Trends and Festive Impact

The aviation sector often witnesses fluctuations based on seasonal and festive trends. The increase in February can be partially attributed to post-holiday travel and events like weddings, business conferences, and regional festivals. Additionally, airlines offered promotional fares and discounts during this period, encouraging more people to opt for air travel.

Challenges in the Aviation Sector

Despite the positive growth, the aviation sector continues to face challenges. Rising fuel prices and operational costs remain a concern for airlines. Furthermore, factors like air traffic congestion, airport infrastructure limitations, and unpredictable weather conditions can affect punctuality and overall service quality.

To address these challenges, stakeholders are calling for further investments in airport expansion and efficient air traffic management systems. The government’s push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and enhanced airport infrastructure projects is expected to provide long-term solutions.

Future Outlook

Industry experts remain optimistic about the future of domestic aviation in India. The sustained growth trajectory indicates that air travel demand will continue to rise in the coming months. With the government’s continued focus on regional connectivity and airport modernization, the industry is poised for further expansion.

As airlines enhance their fleets, add new routes, and offer competitive pricing, passengers are likely to benefit from more choices and improved travel experiences. The upcoming summer travel season is also expected to witness a spike in passenger traffic, further contributing to the sector’s recovery.

In conclusion, the 11% growth in domestic air passenger traffic in February 2025 reflects the resilience of India’s aviation industry. As consumer confidence remains high and operational efficiencies improve, the sector is well on its way to achieving pre-pandemic levels and beyond.