World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) 2024

  • 08 Aug 2025

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According to the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) 2024, released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India has emerged as the world’s 5th-largest aviation market, handling 211 million passengers in 2024.

Key Findings of WATS 2024

  • India: 211 million passengers in 2024, growing 11.1% over 2023.
  • Ahead of: Japan (205 million, 18.6% growth).
  • Global Rankings:
    1. United States – 876 million passengers (+5.2%).
    2. China – 741 million passengers (+18.7%).
    3. United Kingdom – 261 million passengers.
    4. Spain – 241 million passengers.
    5. India – 211 million passengers.
  • Busiest Routes (Airport Pairs):
    • Global:Jeju–Seoul (South Korea) – 13.2 million passengers.
    • India: Mumbai–Delhi – 5.9 million passengers, ranked 7th globally.
  1. Trend: Asia-Pacific dominated busiest airport-pair rankings.

India’s Aviation Transformation

1. Legislative Reforms

  • Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025: Aligns leasing system with the Cape Town Convention, lowering leasing costs and boosting investor confidence.
  • BharatiyaVayuyanAdhiniyam, 2024: Replaces colonial-era Aircraft Act, 1934; promotes Make in India, simplifies licensing, and aligns with ICAO norms.

2. Infrastructure Expansion

  • New Terminals: Foundation laid at Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, Bagdogra.
  • Greenfield Airports: 12 operationalised since 2014 (e.g., Shirdi, Mopa, Shivamogga); Navi Mumbai and Noida (Jewar) to be operational by 2025–26.
  • Investment: ?91,000 crore allocated under National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP); ?82,600 crore already spent by Nov 2024.

3. Government Initiatives

  • UDAN Scheme: Expands regional air connectivity, affordable travel.
  • National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP): Boosts MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul), airport development, and leasing ecosystem.
  • Green Airports Policy: Promotes renewable energy, waste reduction, and carbon neutrality.
  • Aircraft Leasing Hub:GIFT City being developed as a global hub for aircraft leasing and financing.

Significance

  • India consolidates its position as a major aviation hub, driven by rising passenger traffic, policy reforms, and infrastructure expansion.
  • Reflects growing regional connectivity under UDAN and global competitiveness with regulatory modernisation.
  • Places India in the top five global aviation markets for the first time.