The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport has soared to new heights, achieving a remarkable milestone in the fiscal year 2023-24 as its passenger footfall crossed the 3 million mark. This significant achievement underscores the airport’s growing prominence in the aviation landscape.
According to the recent data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for March 2024, the Amritsar airport welcomed a staggering 3,085,598 passengers by March 31, 2024. This represents a substantial growth of 22.6% in passenger footfall compared to the previous year, which saw 2,516,518 travelers passing through its gates.
Of this impressive total, 981,405 were international passengers, while 2,104,193 were domestic travelers. This data indicates a notable surge of 30% in international passengers and a commendable 19.5% increase in domestic passengers compared to the previous year.
Commenting on this achievement, Sameep Singh Gumtala, the global convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, highlighted the airport’s ascent in the ranks, moving from the 25th to the 23rd position in terms of total passenger footfall. The AAI data, which encompasses 40 international and 95 domestic airports, showcases Amritsar’s growing importance in the air travel circuit.
Moreover, the airport has witnessed a substantial increase in total aircraft movements, with arrivals and departures rising from 19,251 to 21,648, marking a notable 10.9% hike compared to the previous year.
The growth trajectory of Amritsar airport is further exemplified by the inauguration of new international flight routes. Airlines such as AirAsia X, Malaysia Airlines, Air India, and Neos Airlines have introduced direct flights to various destinations, including Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, Rome, and Verona, enhancing connectivity and facilitating smoother travel experiences for passengers.
In March 2024, the airport witnessed a robust influx of travelers, with 217,495 domestic and 99,000 international passengers. The cumulative passenger footfall for the month stood at 316,495, reflecting a significant 22.6% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
Presently, Amritsar airport serves as a vital hub with six Indian and five foreign carriers operating flights to 13 domestic and nine international destinations, including prominent cities like Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Rome, Milan, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. With 65 flights departing and arriving daily, the airport caters to approximately 10,000 passengers, facilitating seamless connectivity and contributing to the region’s economic growth.
The remarkable achievement of surpassing 3 million passengers underscores the pivotal role of Amritsar airport in bolstering the aviation sector, fostering tourism, and enhancing regional connectivity. As the airport continues to chart its course of growth and development, it remains poised to emerge as a key player in India’s aviation landscape, offering travelers unparalleled convenience and world-class services.
