India recorded about 30 million first-time flyers in 2023, according to data compiled by aviation consultant CAPA India. Low-cost Akasa Air, India's newest airline, reported that about 10% of its passengers are first-time flyers. The trend of first-time flyers started during the Covid-19 pandemic, with many companies facilitating air travel for their white-collar workers. The pandemic also led to a surge in travel by young employees to their hometowns, contributing to the increase in first-time flyers.