India 5th largest aviation market in 2024 with 241 million passengers, surpasses Japan; key air traffic and economic insights for competitive exams.
India Becomes the World’s 5th Largest Aviation Market
India Achieves 5th Position in Global Aviation
In 2024, India officially became the world’s 5th largest aviation market, handling approximately 241 million passengers, a notable 11.1% growth over 2023 figures of ~211 million This milestone reflects a robust recovery and escalating demand in both domestic and international air travel.
India Surpasses Japan, Close at Heels of Spain
India surpassed Japan—which handled around 205 million passengers in 2024 (rising ~18.6%)—to clinch the fifth spot globally Among the top five aviation markets for passenger traffic in 2024 were:
- United States (~876 million passengers)
- China (~741 million)
- United Kingdom (~261 million)
- Spain (~241 million)
- India (~241 million)
Mumbai–Delhi Corridor Among Busiest Globally
The Mumbai–Delhi air route ranked as the 7th busiest globally in terms of airport-pair traffic, carrying 5.9 million passengers in 2024 The majority of the top 10 busiest routes were located in the Asia‑Pacific region, with only Jeddah–Riyadh outside
Premium Class Travel on the Rise
International premium class travel (business and first class combined) grew by 11.8%, slightly outpacing global economy travel’s 11.5% growth. Overall, 116.9 million premium-class passengers traveled internationally in 2024, representing 6% of total international traffic
Asia-Pacific Leads Growth
The Asia‑Pacific region recorded remarkable expansion—premium travel rose by 22.8% (21 million passengers), while economy class travel surged 28.6%, reaching a staggering 500.8 million passengers
B) Why This News Is Important
Relevance to Government Exam Aspirants
India’s rise to the 5th largest global aviation market is a high-interest topic in current affairs sections of exams like PSCs, UPSC, banking, railways, defence, and teacher recruitment. Questions often focus on rankings, passenger traffic, and economic implications.
Impact on Economy and Infrastructure
This milestone signals rapid economic growth and infrastructure expansion, pressing candidates to understand the aviation sector’s link to national development, regional connectivity schemes like UDAN, and GDP contributions—a key part of Economy (GS‑3) syllabus.
C) Historical Context: India’s Aviation Growth Journey
Early Years and Civil Aviation Policy
India’s civil aviation history began in 1911 with the first commercial flight in Allahabad. Decades later, the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 set the foundation for private sector expansion and regional connectivity through UDAN
Post‑Liberalisation Growth and Pandemic Dip
From about 70 million passengers in 2015, India surged past 200 million by 2019. Although the pandemic in 2020 temporarily disrupted growth, the sector rebounded to approximately 190 million in 2023 and 241 million in 2024
Infrastructure Expansion and Government Vision
India expanded operational airports to around 149 by 2023, with government plans to further increase to 400 airports by 2047 under various infrastructure schemes. Continued reforms aim at transforming India into a global aviation hub
D) Key Takeaways from “India Emerges as World’s 5th Biggest Aviation Market”
| Serial No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | In 2024, India became the 5th largest global aviation market, handling ~241 million passengers. |
| 2 | Growth over 2023 was 11.1%, overtaking Japan (~205 million passengers). |
| 3 | India trails only USA (876m), China (741m), UK (261m), and Spain (241m) in aviation traffic. |
| 4 | The Mumbai–Delhi route ranked 7th globally in busiest airport pairs, with 5.9 million passengers. |
| 5 | Premium class travel grew at 11.8%, while economy class grew 11.5%, and Asia‑Pacific saw exceptional growth. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When did India become the world’s 5th largest aviation market?
Ans: India achieved this milestone in 2024, handling approximately 241 million passengers.
Q2. Which country did India surpass to become the 5th largest aviation market?
Ans: India surpassed Japan, which handled around 205 million passengers in 2024.
Q3. What is the rank of the Mumbai–Delhi air route globally in terms of busiest routes?
Ans: It ranked 7th globally based on passenger traffic.
Q4. What was the percentage growth in premium class international travel in 2024?
Ans: Premium class international travel grew by 11.8% in 2024.
Q5. Why is this news relevant to competitive exams?
Ans: It involves India’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and global rankings—common themes in UPSC, banking, railways, police, and state PSC exams.
Q6. What major government scheme supports regional air connectivity in India?
Ans: The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme aims to enhance regional connectivity.
Q7. Which global organization released the data on air passenger traffic?
Ans: The International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Q8. How does the aviation sector impact India’s GDP?
Ans: It contributes significantly through employment generation, trade facilitation, and tourism growth.
Q9. What other countries are ahead of India in aviation market rankings?
Ans: The USA, China, UK, and Spain are ahead.
Q10. How is this development aligned with India’s Vision 2047?
Ans: It supports infrastructure modernization, urbanization, and the goal to become a global transport hub.
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