India Becomes World's Fifth Largest Aviation Market; Mumbai-Delhi Ranks Seventh Busiest Airport Pair in 2024: IATA

India has emerged as the world's fifth largest aviation market, handling 241 million passengers, and Mumbai-Delhi was one of the busiest airport pairs in 2024, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association. The US remains the world's biggest aviation market, while China is the second-biggest passenger market. International premium class travel grew 11.8%, outpacing growth in global economy travel of 11.5%.

India has solidified its position as the world's fifth largest aviation market, handling 241 million passengers in 2024, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth, an 11.1 percent increase from 2023, places India behind the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Spain in terms of passenger volume [1].

The US remains the global leader in aviation, with 876 million passengers in 2024, reflecting a 5.2 percent year-on-year increase. China follows closely with 741 million passengers, a growth rate of 18.7 percent. The United Kingdom and Spain occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively, with 261 million and 241 million passengers [1].

Among the top 10 busiest airport pairs globally, Mumbai-Delhi ranked seventh, carrying 5.9 million passengers in 2024. The Asia Pacific region dominated the rankings, with Jeju-Seoul (CJU-GMP) being the most popular route, handling 13.2 million passengers. Only one airport pair outside the Asia Pacific region, Jeddah-Riyadh (JED-RUH), made it to the top 10 [1].

International premium class travel, which includes business and first class, grew by 11.8 percent in 2024, slightly outpacing the 11.5 percent growth in global economy travel. The Asia Pacific region led in premium travel growth, with a 22.8 percent increase, although its economy class expanded at a faster rate of 28.6 percent. Europe remained the largest market for international premium travel, with 39.3 million premium passengers, while the Middle East had the highest percentage of premium travelers at 14.7 percent [1].

Narrow-body aircraft, such as Boeing's B737 and Airbus's A320 and A321, were the most used in 2024. Boeing's B737 alone flew 10 million flights with 2.4 trillion Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs). The Airbus A320 and A321 were the second and third most operated aircraft, with 7.9 million and 3.4 million flights, respectively [1].

The aviation industry's recovery in 2024 was marked by regional divergence and shifting travel patterns. While premium class travel slightly outpaced economy travel, the Asia Pacific region continued to dominate passenger traffic. The industry's focus on narrow-body aircraft and strategic asset management will be crucial for future growth and profitability [1].

References:
[1] https://www.news18.com/amp/auto/india-emerges-as-worlds-5th-biggest-aviation-mkt-mumbai-delhi-among-busiest-airport-in-2024-9484030.html