India's Aviation Boom: From 209 to 605 Routes in a Decade

India has seen a significant rise in its domestic aviation market, with flight routes increasing from 209 in 2014 to 605 by 2024. President Droupadi Murmu highlighted this progress and its benefits to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The country has also seen robust economic growth and advancements in public transport.

India is marking a milestone in its aviation sector, becoming the world's third largest domestic aviation market, President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday. The increase in flight routes in the last decade has notably benefitted Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, Murmu noted that the country has grown at an impressive average rate of 8 per cent annually from 2021 to 2024. She emphasised India's ascent to the 5th largest economy globally, up from the 11th position a decade ago.

Murmu pointed out that the number of airline routes surged from 209 in April 2014 to 605 by April 2024. The expansion has directly benefited smaller cities, improving connectivity and creating opportunities. Supporting this growth, domestic airlines carried 661.42 lakh passengers in the January-May 2024 period, up from 636.07 lakh a year ago.

The President also highlighted ongoing government efforts to enhance India’s public transport system, aiming for it to be among the world’s finest.