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In a significant showcase of resilience and growth, Bengaluru‘s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR Airport) and Mumbai‘s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) achieved record-breaking passenger numbers in 2023, reflecting a promising revival for the Indian aviation sector.
The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru reported remarkable growth in CY 2023, serving a total of 37.2 million passengers—a notable 35.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The highest single-day passenger count of 116,688 on April 29, 2023, exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Factors, like eased travel restrictions, economic improvements, and heightened demand contributed to this surge.
Additionally, the airport experienced a substantial recovery in air traffic movements (ATMs), with March 17, 2023, witnessing 748 ATMs in a single day. With new routes, including Lufthansa’s Bengaluru-Munich flights and the introduction of Maldivian Airlines, BLR Airport’s strategic focus on global connectivity remained robust.
On the other hand, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai had an exceptional holiday season, reporting its highest-ever monthly traffic in December 2023. With 4.88 million passengers, the airport saw a 112 per cent recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in December 2019. This reflects a growth of almost 13 per cent from December 2022.
Noteworthy milestones from Vistara’s ninth year include operating India’s first wide-body aircraft on a long-haul route using SAF and flying over 50 million customers since inception. In tandem with its anniversary, Vistara announced direct flights between Mumbai and Paris, further strengthening its European connectivity. Starting March 28, 2024, the 5x weekly flights will join Vistara’s existing service between Delhi and Paris.
The highest passenger movement in a single day on December 16 reached 165,258 passengers. The month observed a total of 28,462 ATMs, showcasing the airport’s operational strength. CSMIA’s passenger distribution revealed 47 per cent from the Middle East, 28 per cent from the Asia Pacific region, and 15 per cent from Europe. The top domestic destinations included Delhi, Bangalore, and Goa, while Dubai, London, and Abu Dhabi continued to be preferred international choices.As both airports reflect on their achievements, they are poised for continued growth in 2024. The increased connectivity, strategic routes, and consistent recovery in passenger numbers bode well for the airports and the broader Indian aviation industry. The positive momentum seen in 2023 sets the stage for a robust and optimistic year ahead.
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