Domestic flights in India achieved the highest occupancy rates worldwide last year, as reported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Indian domestic flights operated at an impressive 86.4% capacity, surpassing those in the United States and China, which recorded load factors of 84.1% and 83.2%, respectively. The global average passenger load factor (PLF), indicating the percentage of seats sold on flights, stood at 84%.
India recorded a historic peak in domestic air travel last year, reaching 16.3 crore passengers.
This achievement occurred despite ongoing supply chain challenges that resulted in slower-than-anticipated aircraft deliveries from Airbus and Boeing, compounded by a significant number of IndiGo A320 family aircraft being grounded for an extended period due to Pratt & Whitney engine problems. Consequently, flights operated at full capacity.
In comparison, other major aviation markets such as Australia, Brazil, and Japan reported domestic passenger load factors of 81.8%, 81.9%, and 78%, respectively.
