India's air travel at record high, domestic traffic up 21% from pre-Covid period | Key points

The number of Indians opting to travel via air has climbed to a record high, and the overall footfall at the country's airports has crossed the 97 million-mark in only the first three months of this calendar year, as per a report released by Mastercard Economics Institute.

Strengthened by a burgeoning middle class, additional route capacity, and a strong desire to travel, 2024 marks the year "when more Indians are traveling internationally than at any time in history", stated the report, titled 'Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries'. The findings were released on May 16.

Domestic passenger traffic is up 21% compared to the pre-Covid level of 2019, while international passenger traffic is up 4%, as of March 2024, the report said.

"In the first three months of 2024, 97 million passengers traveled through Indian airports. Just 10 years ago, the same figure would have taken a whole year to achieve," it added.

Where are Indians travelling?

Among key markets, the number of Indian travellers to United States increased by 59% in 2024 so far, as compared to 2019, the report said. In contrast, the total overseas arrivals in the US are still 7% below 2019 levels.

The number of Indians travelling to Japan increased by 53% this year, as compared to 2019.

Vietnam has also emerged as a key holiday destination for Indians, with the number of travellers growing by 248% as compared to the pre-Covid period.

Which are the top destinations of global travellers in 2024?

Japan emerged as the topmost trending destination worldwide, as it welcomed 3,081,600 visitors from abroad in March 2024 – the highest level ever – even before the peak travel season begins, the report said.

Driven by a weak yen (the lowest since 1990), Japan’s favorable exchange rate is expected to help it remain the clear tourism frontrunner throughout 2024, benefitting Japanese businesses catering to tourists and the local economy overall.

Ireland is the second most travelled destination, followed by Romania third, Italy fourth, Spain fifth, Malaysia sixth, Australia seventh, South Korea eighth, the UAE ninth and Indonesia tenth.