Domestic air passenger traffic Rises 3.98 per cent to 12.31 million in October

The latest data by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revealed that the domestic air passenger traffic has increased by 3.98 per cent to 12.31 million in October 2019 as compared to a total of 11.84 million passenger in October 2018. In September this year, the domestic passenger growth was just 1.18 per cent as compared to the same month the last year.

The passenger load factor in October has shown an increasing trend compared to previous months, primarily due to the onset of tourist season. According to the data, the passenger load factor of all major airlines, namely, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, IndiGo, AirAsia and Vistara, declined in October as compared to September this year. The passenger load factor measures the seat capacity utilisation of the airline. IndiGo maintained its lead position with 47.4 per cent share of the domestic passenger market in October. SpiceJet's market share increased from 14.7 per cent in September to 16.3 per cent in October, giving it the number two spot. The market share of Air India, GoAir, AirAsia, and Vistara was 12.6 per cent, 11.2 per cent, 6.5 per cent, and 5.4 per cent, respectively, in October 2019.

Besides, a total of 791 passenger-related complaints were received by the domestic airlines in the last month. The number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried for the month of October was around 0.64. In September, Air India topped the list of passenger grievances with 1.6 complaints per 10,000 passengers while SpiceJet was on number two position with 0.8 complaints per 10,000 passengers among major domestic airlines.

Looking at the share price return of the stocks of the Aviation industry during the last one month, that is, from October 18 to November 18, Jet Airways has delivered a return of 43.22 per cent, whereas, Interglobe Aviation and Spicejet has delivered a negative return of 15.62 per cent and 11.30 per cent, respectively.