India has emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, a significant achievement that has directly benefited Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, according to President Droupadi Murmu.

In her address to the joint session of Parliament, President Murmu highlighted that the country has grown at an average rate of 8% annually from 2021 to 2024. She emphasised that India has risen from the 11th to the 5th largest economy in the world over the past decade.
Elaborating on the aviation sector, President Murmu stated that the number of airline routes in India has increased from 209 in April 2014 to 605 by April 2024.

She noted that this expansion in air connectivity has directly benefited smaller cities across the country .

The President also pointed out that air traffic demand is on the rise, with airlines expanding their fleets to accommodate more passengers. During the January-May 2024 period, domestic airlines carried 661.42 lakh passengers, up from 636.07 lakh in the corresponding period the previous year.

Furthermore, President Murmu emphasised the government’s commitment to making India’s public transport system one of the best in the world .

The rapid growth of India’s domestic aviation market, driven by increased air connectivity and rising passenger numbers, underscores the country’s economic progress and the government’s efforts to improve transportation infrastructure across all regions.