India’s air traffic expected to reach 400 million by 2029: Vualnam

Clarifying the government’s stance on UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Aadmi) and RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) the Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam assured that RCS would continue to be a government priority, with ongoing efforts to expand helicopter and seaplane operations as well.

Since the launch of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) in October 2016, 613 routes connecting 87 unserved and underserved airports, including 13 heliports and two water aerodromes, have been operationalised as of November 30, 2024. 

According to the latest figures released by MoCA over 146 lakh domestic passengers have traveled on 2.86 lakh RCS flights till December 2024. 

Vualnam further forecasted that the air passenger traffic in India is expected to reach an impressive 400 million by 2029. He further went on to highlight the ongoing efforts by the government to foster the seaplane operations in India as a part of broader aviation ecosystem. He was addressing an aviation conference in Delhi.

Vualnam underscored the immense potential for growth in India’s aviation sector, pointing out that passenger numbers have doubled over the past decade, rising from 110 million to 220 million. He projected this figure to nearly double again by 2029, reflecting the increasing demand for air travel in the country.