New Delhi: Market stimulation by local airlines helped domestic air traffic in India grow by 16.3 percent, more than China, in October compared to the same period last year, according to data released by International Air Transport Association (IATA) Thursday.
"Indian domestic traffic climbed 16.3 percent. Although this was a considerable slowdown compared to September year- over-year growth of 26.4 percent, it was still a strong result and reflects market stimulation by local carriers," IATA said.
Global domestic travel demand rose by 5.8 percent in October compared to the same month last year with the strongest growth occurring in China, which saw a 10 percent growth, and India, the release said.
Domestic carriers have been from the beginning of the year offering low fares through a series of discounted ticket schemes to stimulate demand.
According to DGCA data released last month, domestic airlines flew 59.25 lakh passengers in October this year as compared to 50.08 lakh passengers during the same period in 2013. The number of passengers carried by domestic airlines during the January-October period was 550.68 lakh as against 507.03 lakh in the year-ago period.
According to the IATA data for October, international passenger demand rose 5.5 percent during the period compared to the same month last year, with airlines in all regions except Africa recording growth, IATA said.
African airlines' traffic contracted 1.6 percent in October, it said, adding that the weakness reflects adverse economic developments in some parts of the continent.
However, the improving outlook for South Africa could ease some of the downward pressure on the continent's carriers, IATA said.
"This weekend marks International Civil Aviation Day. And next month will begin the second century of commercial aviation. These are fitting moments to pause and reflect upon the reliance of the global economy on connectivity. Even more important is the challenge to prepare for the future by ensuring that the industry has a smart regulatory environment, cost-efficient infrastructure and a reasonable tax obligation," said IATA director general and chief executive, Tony Tyler.
