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The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has reported an 88 per cent increase in the flow of international passengers during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, indicating a robust recovery for the aviation industry.
Additionally, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) has seen a surge in passengers, with over 1.23 crore travellers having utilised RCS UDAN flights since the scheme’s inception.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Dr. V. K. Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said that the government’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and attract both domestic and international passengers have played a pivotal role in this growth.
Resurgence in International Passengers:
The impact of COVID-19 on air travel had been evident in the decreased number of international passengers in the previous year. However, the situation has taken a positive turn with a rebound in air travellers after the resumption of scheduled international commercial passenger operations from March 27, 2022.
The significant increase of 88 per cent in the first quarter of 2023, as per provisional figures, signifies the nation’s readiness to travel again and its revived confidence in air transport, Singh mentioned.
Additionally, the Ministry has actively pursued measures to encourage international travel. Notably, India has opened its skies to 23 countries on a reciprocal basis, allowing unlimited operations between India and these countries. Further, the government has made 18 tourist destinations accessible to SAARC (except Afghanistan and Pakistan) and ASEAN countries, fostering greater connectivity and tourism opportunities.
Additionally, in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, the government has, on reciprocal basis, offered open sky arrangements to SAARC countries and countries located beyond 5000 kms from Delhi. As on date, India has open sky arrangements with 23 countries which has facilitated unlimited operations between India and these countries.
In June 2023, the Mumbai airport observed a 33 per cent growth in total passenger numbers compared to June 2022(3.1 million). Additionally, CSMIA witnessed 39 per cent growth specifically in international passengers. Highest daily air traffic was recorded on June 10 with a total of 148,981 passengers. Dubai, London Heathrow, and Abu Dhabi, remain the top international destinations.
UDAN Scheme milestones:
The Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN, aimed at enhancing domestic regional connectivity, has been a success story in itself, Singh explained. More than 1.23 crore passengers have availed RCS UDAN flights since the scheme’s launch, underscoring its impact on promoting accessibility to remote regions.Singh further informed that as part of the UDAN scheme, a total of 148 airports, including nine heliports and two water aerodromes, have been developed and operationalised, offering improved connectivity to various parts of the country.
However, certain challenges have led to delays in the development and revival of airports, heliports, and water aerodromes. Issues such as the availability of land, clearance procedures related to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental factors, as well as aircraft leasing and procurement difficulties have posed some obstacles.
Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to overcoming bottlenecks and facilitating timely completion of projects, said Singh. Regular monitoring of progress and continuous efforts to remove hindrances have been implemented to expedite the operationalisation of these aviation facilities, he asserted.
The significant surge in international passengers and the rising number of travellers availing the UDAN scheme are indicating a promising future for India’s aviation sector. As the nation embraces post-pandemic recovery, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is determined to sustain the momentum and foster seamless air travel experiences for citizens and visitors alike.
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