14 October (Language) The number of domestic air passengers in September was 39.43 lakh. This is 66 percent less than the same month last year. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) gave this information on Wednesday. DGCA said that in July this year 21.07 lakh people and in August 28.32 lakh people made domestic air travel.
Around 22.66 lakh passengers traveled from IndiGo during the review period and its total share in the domestic aviation market was 57.5 percent. At the same time, the number of passengers flying from SpiceJet was 5.3 lakh and the company had a market share of 13.4 percent. According to DGCA data, 3.72 lakh, 2.35 lakh, 2.58 lakh and 2.64 lakh passengers flew in September from Air India, AirAsia India, Vistaar and GoAir respectively.
Compared to the total available seats of the six major airlines of the country, the rate of filling of passengers ranged between 57 and 73 percent. The DGCA said, "Demand has seen an upward trend since the launch of the flight services twice after the lockdown and hence there is an improvement in the position of filling the seats of the companies in September."
During this time SpiceJet flew with 73 percent seats. While Vistara, IndiGo, AirAsia India, Air India and GoAir had seats filled at 66.7 per cent, 65.4 per cent, 58.4 per cent, 57.9 per cent and 57.6 per cent respectively. AirAsia India had the largest number of flights at major airports on time. The company had a timeliness of 98.4 percent.
The lockdown was imposed in the country from 24 March to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Due to this, domestic and international flights were banned. After a gap of about two months, the government again allowed domestic flights to operate from May 25. At the same time, special international flights were operated under the Vande Bharat Mission for the return of migrants even during lockdown. Currently international flights are being operated under separate bilateral agreements (air bubble pact) with some countries.