India's February domestic air traffic up 10%: IATA

 India`s domestic air passenger traffic grew 10 per cent in February to rise in double-digits for the 54th consecutive month, a global airline association said on Thursday.

"For India, this marks the 54th consecutive month of double-digit domestic revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) growth," the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.

"A generally solid economic backdrop, combined with continued growth in the number of airport pairs have all contributed to this sustained growth performance," it added.

However, there was sequential slowdown. The traffic had risen by 12.4 per cent in January.

According to IATA, India`s domestic air passenger volume -- measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) -- was the third highest among the major aviation markets such as Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Russia and the US.

India`s domestic RPK last month rose by 10 per cent compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.

India`s domestic passenger traffic growth was preceded by that of China at 11.4 per cent and Russia at 10.1 per cent.

The country`s domestic available passenger capacity -- measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs) -- stood higher by 12.3 per cent in February, followed by Russia at 11.8 per cent and China at 8.9 per cent.