The government's 'UDAN' initiative to connect small cities across India to the flight network has proven successful. This has led to a significant rise in air travel in these areas. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this increase is attributed to government initiatives and new services introduced by airlines in previously underserved regions.
Passenger numbers at airports in small cities have surged between 30% and 702% in the 2023-24 period compared to the previous year. For instance, Diu Airport, operational since 2018, saw a 65% increase with 66,252 passengers. Indigo Airlines' flights from Diu to Ahmedabad and Surat reported an average passenger load factor of 69%, as per ministry data.
As reported by the Economic Times, the number of passengers at Pantnagar Airport, operational since 2019, rose by 55.8% to reach 110,824. Similarly, Shillong in Meghalaya also saw a more than 40% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2023. Online travel aggregator ixigo reported that air tickets to Guwahati and Dimapur are available starting at ₹400.
In Agra, passenger traffic increased by 40.9% to reach 182,956 in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Tezpur Airport achieved remarkable growth among regional airports, with passenger numbers soaring by 702% to over 32,000 travelers during the same period, up from 4,000 in the previous fiscal year.
The airport's popularity surged due to affordable tickets starting at ₹150 for flights to Lilabari, according to ixigo. Experts attribute the rise in air travel demand largely to these low-cost tickets. Ministry data also indicates a strong average passenger load factor (PLF) of 68% for flights operating from Tezpur, underscoring robust demand on these routes.
India's aviation sector is undergoing significant transformation with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity. Experts attribute this growth to government initiatives, airline expansions, and rising passenger demand. These developments are creating new prospects for small towns and villages, many of which have benefited from the 'UDAN' scheme. This government initiative promotes affordable regional air travel.
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