India's tourism booms with increased air travel demand

India's tourism sector is experiencing a significant upswing, thanks to the Maha Kumbh festival and a lengthy wedding season. This has led to increased air travel, particularly from smaller cities, benefiting airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. Typically, the January to March period is slow for tourism in India, especially with board exams. However, the ongoing Maha Kumbh and a longer wedding season have changed this trend. In February, Indian airlines transported 14 million passengers domestically, only 6% less than in the peak festive month of December. This marks a record high, with 500,000 passengers flying daily. The Maha Kumbh, which started in mid-January and ended in late February, played a crucial role in this growth. Although March might show some pressure on air travel numbers compared to February, it is still expected to outperform last year's figures. Some flights are already operating at full capacity, indicating excess demand. Air traffic increased significantly at Prayagraj airport, with over 100 flights daily during the Maha Kumbh. Other airports nearby, such as Lucknow and Varanasi, also experienced a surge in passenger numbers. Many travelers came from smaller cities, traveling to larger hubs for their flights. The wedding season has contributed significantly to this travel boom as well. Popular hotels, like the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, are reporting record bookings and revenue. Airline executives note that younger generations are eager for travel experiences, enhancing discretionary spending. New routes have also been successful, with Air India Express expanding its services to include flights from Hindon to major cities like Kolkata and Bengaluru, achieving over 90% occupancy on some routes.