India’s domestic air travel achieved a significant milestone on November 17, 2024, with 5.05 lakh passengers flying within the country, setting a new single-day record. The surge in air traffic was driven by the festive season and weddings, as airlines operated 3,173 flights, carrying a total of 5,05,412 passengers. The occupancy rate for most major airlines exceeded 90%.
While the record highlights the growing demand for air travel, it also posed challenges in terms of flight punctuality. Leading carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India reported delays, impacting their On-Time Performance (OTP). Despite these setbacks, the record underscores the continued strength of India’s aviation sector amid increased operational capacity and seasonal demand.
