Year                                       No. of passengers travelled

 

2019                                            31,24,675 passengers

2020                                            12,06,890 passengers

 

IN THE year 2020 aviation industry experienced a sharp downturn as the economy was hit by coronavirus pandemic and Government induced lockdown. With this came travel restrictions on the movement of people and temporary suspension of flights from March 25 to May 25, the aviation industry was badly hit. As per the data given by MIHAN India Limited (MIL) authorities the air passenger traffic in and out from Nagpur airport dropped significantly in 2020 compared to 2019.

 

The number of air passenger traffic in and out of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport Nagpur witnessed a sharp reduction from January to December 2020 which stood at 12,06,890 compared to 31,24,675 in the year 2019, a drop of about 61 per cent which is 19,17,785 passengers, said a senior airport official while speaking to The Hitavada. He further said that the above figures include domestic and international passengers from Nagpur airport. Currently, international flights have not resumed from Nagpur airport.

 

“When the coronavirus vaccination starts in the country, things are bound to improve. The confidence level of people will improve and they will not hesitate to go out and travel. Similarly, if there is growth in hospitality industry, it would certainly help the aviation industry,” he said. The official said that the air passenger traffic is projected to increase to 20 lakh--22 lakh passengers from January to December 2021.

 

Currently there are three domestic airlines operating from Nagpur airport consists of Indigo, Air India and Go Air. Apart from this, the expansion plans and approvals of Nagpur airport are expected to be completed in 2021. For this a new tender is in the process of being floated in the near future. The expansion includes construction of new terminal building, runway, apron and other infrastructure required by the airport to handle more passenger and cargo traffic. Additional land has already been acquired and total land with airport is 1,100.21 hectares, the senior official said.