Lok Sabha Question No. 73 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-20
Subject: Increase in flow of International Passengers
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Sambhajirao Mane Dhairyasheel, Sudheer Gupta, Sanjay Sadashivrao Mandlik, Shrirang Appa Barne, Prataprao  Jadhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 73

(To be answered on the 20 th  July 2023)

## INCREASE IN FLOW OF INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS

## 73. SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA

SHRI SANJAY SADASHIVRAO MANDLIK

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE

SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether it is true that flow of international passengers has almost doubled during the first three months of 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has tried to ascertain the reasons for spike in international air travel and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is true that the market share of scheduled domestic airlines has also shown an increase and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to attract domestic and international passengers to give boost to aviation industry in the country;
- (e) the details of percentage rise in international passengers during the above said period; and
- (f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to reduce air fares?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) to (e) Passengers carried by scheduled Indian and Foreign carriers for scheduled international operations in the first quarter of 2023 show an increase of about 88% over the passenger figures of first quarter of 2022 as per provisional figures available.

The number of international passengers had been affected adversely due to COVID-19. However, the situation has improved as witnessed by rebound in air travelers after the resumption of scheduled international commercial passenger operations w.e.f 27.03.2022. The market share of scheduled domestic airlines for international passengers has not shown an increase as per provisional figures available. To attract domestic and international passengers and to give boost to aviation industry in the country, the government has inter-alia, taken the following steps: (i)  For enhancing regional connectivity in the domestic sector, the Ministry operates the UDAN scheme. (ii) In the international sector, 18 tourist destinations of India have been made available  for  SAARC  (except  Afghanistan  and  Pakistan)  and  ASEAN countries to/from which designated carriers of India as well as designated carriers of SAARC and ASEAN countries can mount unlimited operations. Additionally , in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, the government has, on reciprocal basis, offered open sky arrangements to SAARC countries and countries located beyond 5000 kms from Delhi. As on date, India has open sky arrangements with 23 countries which has facilitated unlimited operations between India and these countries. (f) The airfare is market driven and is neither regulated nor established by the Government. Air fares are determined by the airlines based on interplay of market forces. The fares on any route is dependent inter-alia on seasonality, holidays and festivals, cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel, competition and other similar factors.

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