Number of domestic fliers in India to touch 125 million in 2017-18, says CAPA

Aviation think tank also says four Indian airlines and two non-aviation companies interested in buying into Air India

India’s domestic air traffic is expected to grow 18-20% and touch 125 million in the financial year of 2017-2018, said aviation think tank Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA). The number of passengers on domestic routes will reach 150 million in 2018-19. According to India’s aviation regulator, there were 117 million domestic passengers in calendar year 2017.

The number of passengers on domestic routes will reach 150 million in 2018-19, the CAPA said. (Representational Image)

International passengers’ traffic in the country is expected to increase by 12% reaching around 65 million by March 2018 and is expected to touch 75 million by March 2019.

CAPA said that if the government lifts bilateral restrictions for international operations, then the international operations growth would be nearly 15% in three to five years.

According to CAPA, after selecting successful bidders, the national carrier Air India is expected to be privatised by July this year. Revealing the current bidders, who are interested to buy Air India, CAPA said that around six airlines have shown interest. While there are four Indian carriers (Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Indigo and Vistara) who are interested in buying into the airline, two non-aviation companies have shown interest as well.

Indian airlines are expected to induct around 124 to 130 aircrafts by March 2019 — an increase of 25%. Out of this, around 22 aircrafts will be utilised for regional connectivity scheme — Udey Desh ka Aam Naagarik (UDAN) which aims to connect smaller urban centres and regions that do not have air connectivity. Around 25 aircrafts are expected to be used for international operations.