India’s aviation sector achieved a historic milestone on 17 November 2024 (Sunday), with over 505,412 domestic passengers flying in a single day, surpassing the 5 lakh mark for the first time. The Ministry of Civil Aviation celebrated the achievement, describing it as a reflection of India’s growing aviation potential.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu credited this success to key policies such as the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), which was launched in 2017 to improve connectivity to underserved regions, advancements in airport infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies. The number of operational airports in India has doubled over the past decade, supporting rapid growth in the sector.
