After registering double digit growth for several years, the domestic air passenger traffic slumped to a low single digit growth during 2019, on the back of a subdued economy, grounding of Jet Airways (India) Limited, and a muted consumer demand.

Domestic air passenger traffic in India registered a 3.74% annual growth during 2019 as against 18.60% annual growth during the previous year, according to data issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday.

The domestic air passenger traffic last registered a single digit yearly growth back in 2014 (9.7%).

Domestic scheduled carriers carried 144.17 million passengers during 2019 as against 138.98 million passengers they carried during 2018.

“This is a bit disappointing. In 2019, we faced headwinds on account of Jet Airways but 2020 is going to be different and the double digit growth should be back sooner rather than later," said a senior DGCA official who requested anonymity.

Inter Globe Aviation Ltd’s IndiGo continued its market dominance as it carried nearly one in every two passengers. Its market share stood at 47.1% during 2019 as against 41.5% market share in 2018. The airline carried 67.91 million passengers in 2019, up from nearly 57.63 million passengers in 2018.