Foreign airlines ramp up India operations as international traffic soars – CNBC TV18

India’s aviation market is booming, with daily passenger traffic reaching a record high of five lakh. A significant portion of these passengers are heading to international destinations, signalling strong growth in outbound travel.

Between April and June 2024, over 1.76 crore international passengers travelled to and from India, a 13% increase compared to the same period last year.

Regions like the Gulf and South Asia have witnessed the highest demand, with Dubai emerging as the top destination, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Qatar.

While leisure travel is a major factor, other reasons are fuelling the rise in international travel. Many Indians are exploring new countries for career opportunities and personal growth. Additionally, India’s growing global influence is attracting more foreign nationals to visit.

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The increased demand has led both Indian and international airlines to expand their operations. Currently, 75 foreign airlines serve India, contributing to 54% of the country’s international passenger traffic. These airlines are ramping up operations by deploying larger aircraft, increasing flight frequencies, and adding new Indian cities to their routes.

For example, Thailand’s Nok Air recently included Mumbai as its second destination in India, highlighting the competitive push among foreign carriers.

Only seven Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, operate on international routes. While they are actively expanding fleets and adding new destinations, they face tough competition.

Foreign airlines already operate larger fleets with better connectivity, giving them a significant advantage. Although Indian airlines have placed large orders for new aircraft, delivery and deployment take years, slowing their progress.

As India’s international aviation market grows, both Indian and foreign airlines are working to capitalise on the opportunity. However, Indian carriers must navigate the challenge of scaling quickly while competing with well-established global players.

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