Infrastructure woes hit air travel in India

NEW DELHI: Every 1,000 Indians, accustomed to air travel, make only 20 air trips in a year against 60 and 2,300 trips made by the Chinese and Americans. This is a stark contrast and an example which highlights India’s low score in aviation penetration, said a joint study by industry body Assocham and Ernst & Young. Commenting on the study, Assocham president Venugopal Dhoot said: “The basic reason for the lack of advancement in the Indian aviation industry is the absence of proper infrastructure and presence of high costs. The aviation sector needs to pay attention to the infrastructure at the international airports, domestic aerodrome conveniences and air control and navigational facilities.”