India has ascended to become the world’s fifth-largest aviation market, handling a staggering 241 million passengers in 2024.
This marks an 11.1% year-on-year growth, placing India ahead of Japan, which recorded 205 million flyers.
According to the latest World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the domestic Mumbai–Delhi route carried 5.9 million passengers, earning its place as the seventh busiest global airport pair. The Asia Pacific region dominated international air routes, further cementing India’s growing significance in aviation.
Despite Japan’s faster growth rate of 18.6%, India’s overall passenger volume surged past, propelled by its robust domestic travel infrastructure and increased accessibility. The US, China, UK, and Spain remain ahead, with the US continuing as the largest market at 876 million flyers.
Premium travel has also surged, with Asia Pacific registering a 22.8% rise in business and first-class travel, showcasing the region’s dynamic growth. However, economy-class travel expanded even faster, indicating rising affordability and connectivity for common passengers.
In aircraft usage, Boeing’s B737 and Airbus A320 series continue to dominate the skies, underlining the role of mid-size aircraft in sustaining India’s air traffic.
