The first half of the current calendar year has seen a significant growth of travellers from the city as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport Nagpur has handled 4,45,144 more air passengers as compared to first half of the previous year. As per the data available with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the number of air passengers travelling from Nagpur airport jumped from 10,80,384 recorded in first half of 2022 to 15,25,528 recorded in the first half of 2023 (from January to June) registering a growth of over 41 per cent. The data shows that air passengers travelling to both - domestic as well as overseas - destinations have recorded growth. From its previous mark of 19,250 recorded in 2022, the number of overseas air passengers has gone up to 45,267 in 2023. Similarly, the number of domestic air passengers has also gone up from 10,61,134 in 2022 to 14,80,261 in 2023 (during the same period). One of the experts in the field, who wished not to be quoted, said that the growth in number of air passengers is due to the improved economic scenario.

 

“There are many events happening in the country and other parts of the world. Besides, people from the city are also visiting various overseas and domestic destinations. This has increased the number of air passengers from the city’s airport,” he said. He further said that that positive growth is likely to continue in the second half of the current calendar year. “I think there will be a further growth of 20-25 per cent in the number of air passengers travelling from the Nagpur airport,” he said. It is important to note that the aviation industry experienced a sharp downturn in 2020 when the global economy was hit by the coronavirus pandemic. There were lockdowns and restrictions on travelling. The movement of people had come to a stand still and the authorities had imposed temporary suspension of flights from March 25 to May 25. However, when the authorities started lifting the restrictions, the aviation industry also started showing gradual improvement.