Indian air traffic grew at highest rate in the world in January: IATA

MUMBAI: India beat all global markets in terms of domestic air traffic growth during the month of January, according to the International Air Transport Association, a global lobbying body.

"January traffic soared 26.6%, marking the 15th consecutive month of 20%-plus annual growth. Demand is being stimulated by strong flight frequency," IATA said in a statement.

The fastest economic growth in the world, a growing middle class, rapid expansion by India's carriers and the cheap airfares is pushing air traffic demand in India.

China's domestic traffic growth was not far behind, up 23.2% compared to January 2016. This was the strongest monthly growth since June 2010.

Japan grew by 3.5% while Brazil contracted by 2%. Domestic air traffic in Australia grew by 1.1%, in Russia by 15.4% and domestic US by 3.5%.