Indian airlines soar to new heights, record 152 million passengers in 2023

In a significant boost to India's aviation sector, airlines in the country carried a record-breaking 152 million passengers in 2023, according to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

This milestone marks a remarkable 23% increase from the air traffic levels recorded in 2022 and a noteworthy 5% surge compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019. Over the past decade, air traffic in India has seen an impressive growth of 147% since 2013.

December 2023 saw the aviation sector reaching new heights, achieving the highest monthly air traffic with 13.8 million passengers. This figure represents an 8.3% year-on-year increase and a notable 6% surge compared to December 2019. The previous record, set in May 2023, stood at 13.2 million passengers.

Breaking down the passenger load factor for December, Akasa Air secured the top spot with a capacity utilization of 93.9%, up from 89.2% in November. Following closely, SpiceJet recorded a load factor of 93.5%, an improvement from the previous month's 90.8%. IndiGo and Air India also contributed to the robust performance, achieving load factors of 90.7% and 88.2%, respectively.

These impressive figures underscore the resilience and growth of the Indian aviation industry, highlighting its ability to rebound and surpass pre-pandemic levels. The record-setting year signifies a positive trajectory for the sector, offering hope for continued expansion and recovery in the coming years.