India Becomes the World’s Third-Largest Domestic Aviation Market

India has secured its position as the third-largest domestic civil aviation market globally, highlighting the remarkable expansion of the country’s aviation sector over the last decade.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha highlighted the scale of this growth. He noted that India’s aircraft fleet has more than doubled, increasing from 395 aircraft in 2014 to 844 by 2025.

According to him, domestic air passenger traffic has recorded a strong average annual growth of 9 per cent during the past ten years, while air cargo movement has also shown steady progress with an annual growth rate of 2.9 per cent.

Emphasising the importance of aviation safety, Mr. Sinha remarked that safety should be viewed as a continuous process rather than a final goal, requiring constant vigilance, strict compliance, and shared accountability. He cited practical examples to draw attention to key safety concerns, reinforcing the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in maintaining a safe aviation ecosystem.

DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai reiterated the regulator’s commitment to strengthening safety oversight and aligning India’s aviation framework with global standards. He outlined several ongoing initiatives, including the rollout of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, the State Safety Programme, and the National Aviation Safety Plan.

The seminar also featured three specialised technical sessions focusing on major safety challenges such as runway incursions, safety culture in aviation, and maintenance-related errors. Experts from regulatory bodies and the aviation industry examined underlying causes, shared best practices, and discussed mitigation measures. The discussions stressed the need for a proactive, risk-based approach to safety management, backed by continuous learning and effective collaboration across the sector.