The fiscal year 2023-24 has marked a significant upswing in air travel across India’s regional airports, according to recent data from the civil aviation ministry. This surge, driven by a combination of government incentives, expanded airline services, and heightened passenger demand, underscores a pivotal shift towards enhanced connectivity in the country’s hinterlands.
Among the standout performers, Diu Airport registered a notable 65% increase in passenger traffic, reaching 66,252 travelers, primarily facilitated by IndiGo’s strategic routes to Ahmedabad and Surat. Similarly, Pantnagar Airport saw a robust 55.8% rise with 110,824 passengers, while Shillong and Agra recorded over 40% growth in air traveller numbers, reflecting a broader trend of increasing regional mobility.
Tezpur Airport emerged as a highlight, witnessing an astonishing 702% surge in passengers, albeit from a lower base, bolstered by attractively priced flights to Lilabari starting from ₹150. This surge in demand is further validated by a healthy 68% passenger load factor (PLF) on Tezpur routes, indicating strong uptake among travellers. The growth trajectory extends beyond individual airports, encompassing a broader strategic push towards regional connectivity under the ‘Udan’ scheme. This government initiative has played a pivotal role in promoting affordable air travel to underserved regions, thereby catalysing economic development and tourism prospects.
However, not all regional airports experienced such meteoric rises; Prayagraj, Belgaum, Durgapur, Hubli, and Dimapur reported more modest single-digit percentage increases in passenger traffic. Nonetheless, these airports continue to play a crucial role in servicing substantial passenger volumes annually, reinforcing their significance in the regional air travel ecosystem. Experts from Crisil underscored the role of network expansions by airlines and focused regional connectivity initiatives in driving the growth of these airports. They highlighted the strategic integration of regional airports with metro hubs as a pivotal factor in achieving sustainable traffic growth and economic synergy.
