India’s smaller airports are taking off in a big way, defying all expectations and leaving us in awe!
Recent analysis of official data by Mint reveals that these regional airports are witnessing a remarkable surge in traffic, thanks to the growing regional connectivity and the post-pandemic travel frenzy.
From Bihar’s Darbhanga airport, serving over 600,000 passengers in FY23, to the Prayagraj airport in Uttar Pradesh, experiencing a whopping 12-fold increase in footfall, it’s clear that these smaller airports are becoming the go-to gateways for adventurous explorers!
But the surprises don’t stop there! The Kolhapur airport in Maharashtra went from a mere 14 passengers in FY18 to a staggering 128,000 in FY23, while Karnataka’s Hubli airport witnessed an incredible 550% surge in air traffic during the same period.
Experts attribute this remarkable growth to initiatives like the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, which has opened doors to new airports and connected even more destinations. Moreover, the pandemic-driven shift from trains to flights has fueled the passion for air travel among first-time fliers!
With the number of active domestic airports soaring by 49% between FY18 and FY23, India’s air travel industry is propelling the country to new heights. However, as we reach for the skies, it’s important to address congestion issues at major hub airports like Mumbai and Delhi, where increased capacity is desperately needed.
Get ready to embark on unforgettable journeys and witness the wonders of regional connectivity like never before!
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