Efficiency, sustainability key to India’s aviation leadership

New Delhi: India’s aviation industry is on the cusp of unprecedented growth, and there should be a focus on improving the efficiency and viability of airlines while ensuring environmental sustainability, the Economic Survey 2023-24 said on Monday.

While emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders and international partners, the survey said there is a need to provide adequate long-haul connectivity from India by strengthening Indian airlines, as a large proportion of Indian international traffic goes through connectivity hubs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The civil aviation sector is boosted by growing demand, increased economic activity, tourism, higher disposable incomes, favourable demographics and greater penetration of aviation infrastructure.

India is the third largest domestic aviation market that recorded a 15 per cent year-on-year growth in total air passengers handled at airports to 37.6 crore in FY24. The survey, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, highlighted that economic growth necessitates the growth of the aviation industry and the need for expanded airport capacity, which, in turn, brings up sustainability concerns and the need for more skilled workers.