India – Air Travel

What is the standard of domestic air travel in India like, and which routes and destinations are served?

India occupies third place globally in air transport, trailing only the United States and China, and welcomed 174 million domestic passengers in 2024 — representing 4.2% of worldwide air traffic. Expats arriving from Europe or Australia may find India’s aviation scale genuinely striking; in terms of sheer passenger numbers and the pace of route expansion, it holds its own against any comparable network on the planet.

The domestic aviation sector plays a pivotal role in supporting tourism across states including Goa, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Jammu and Kashmir, underpinning regional economies that depend heavily on air-connected visitors. Territories that lack viable road or rail alternatives — among them the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep — rely on air services as the principal means of access.

The Delhi–Mumbai corridor holds the distinction of being India’s most heavily used route, with Delhi–Bengaluru, Mumbai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Hyderabad, and Delhi–Kolkata also carrying enormous traffic. On the Delhi–Mumbai route alone, airlines schedule between 52 and 57 departures daily, amounting to 384 services per week in each direction.

Air connectivity in the Northeast has undergone a meaningful transformation, with weekly departures from Guwahati rising from 63 to an impressive 106, now linking the city directly to eight major destinations including Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. The government’s regional connectivity scheme has been the driving force behind this progress.

The Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, introduced in 2016 and gathering considerable momentum from 2024, has served as the engine of India’s aviation expansion — opening up underserved regions and bringing flying within reach of a far broader segment of the population. This has made domestic air travel a genuine necessity for many journeys that would otherwise demand exhausting road or rail trips.

India’s aircraft fleet is among the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the world, with an average age of just 7.3 years against a global average of 14.8 years. In terms of punctuality, IndiGo recorded an on-time performance rate of 88.1% in March 2025, cementing its reputation for operational reliability. That said, standards vary across carriers, and factors such as seasonal fog, monsoon disruptions, and congestion at major hubs can all affect schedules.

The average passenger load factor — a reliable barometer of aviation demand — reached 84.7% in October 2025, up from 82.4% in October 2024. With seats filling up consistently, it is wise to book ahead on well-travelled routes.

Which airlines operate domestic routes in India, and are any low-cost carriers available?

IndiGo continues to dominate India’s aviation landscape, commanding around 50% of total seat capacity and operating 13 million seats in March 2026 alone. Air India holds second position with 3.8 million seats and a 15% market share. Together, these two carriers control the market to a degree rarely seen outside highly consolidated aviation environments.

With close to 170 million scheduled seats in 2024, low-cost carriers held more than 71% of the market — a notable rise from 51% in 2014. This shift is underpinned by the strength of the domestic market, where LCCs operate high-frequency services at accessible prices. IndiGo is counted among Asia’s fastest-growing LCCs, and the proliferation of budget carriers has brought air travel within financial reach of a much wider population.

The principal carriers operating as of 2025 are:

• IndiGo — India’s leading low-cost airline, operating a fleet of over 430 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft across 127 destinations including international ones. Services are economy-only, with no complimentary in-flight meals.
• Air India — The national flag carrier, now under Tata Group ownership, offering full-service travel on both domestic and international routes. A landmark development was the completion of its merger with Vistara, consolidating two full-service operators into a single carrier.
• Air India Express — A low-cost carrier headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. Following its integration with AIX Connect on 1 October 2024, it now serves approximately 54 domestic and international destinations.
• Akasa Air — A fast-expanding newcomer that has quickly established itself in the market, securing a 5% market share in April 2025 through a combination of competitive pricing and a strong focus on customer experience.
• SpiceJet — A well-established budget carrier that has navigated significant financial pressures in recent years. Having carried 480,000 passengers in March 2025 with a 3.3% market share, it continues to offer affordable travel on both domestic and international sectors despite ongoing operational challenges.

As of late 2025, India also hosts regional carriers such as Alliance Air, Star Air, and IndiaOne Air, while newer entrants including Al Hind Air and FlyExpress are expected to intensify competition further.

Among overseas airlines, Emirates ranks seventh in the overall market with a 1.4% share. A number of prominent international carriers — including British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways — serve Indian cities on international routes but do not operate domestic segments within the country.

How do you book domestic flights in India — what are the options and which booking platforms are available?

Securing a domestic flight in India is a straightforward process with extensive digital support. Most expats rely on a blend of airline websites and third-party aggregators to compare fares and lock in reservations ahead of travel.

Airline websites — Booking directly through carriers such as IndiGo (goindigo.in), Air India (airindia.com), Akasa Air (akasaair.com), and SpiceJet (spicejet.com) is dependable and typically avoids the surcharges associated with third-party platforms. Each airline also provides a mobile app for managing bookings and completing check-in.

Third-party platforms and apps — MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, EaseMyTrip, and Ixigo are among the most widely used booking services in India, enabling passengers to compare fares across airlines side by side. International platforms including Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak also function effectively for Indian domestic routes.

Travel agents — Online channels dominate, but conventional travel agents remain active across India and can be particularly valuable for complicated itineraries or group travel arrangements.

With average passenger load factors hovering around 84–85%, popular routes remain well-occupied throughout the year. Booking ahead is highly recommended during major festival periods — Diwali, Durga Puja, and Holi — as well as school holiday windows, when both demand and fares can escalate sharply. On quieter routes, last-minute seats are occasionally available at reasonable prices, though fares typically climb steeply as departure approaches.

The government is actively expanding infrastructure, with plans for dozens of new airports and continued improvements to regional connectivity for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, meaning the breadth of available routes is set to grow. Always verify current schedules and route availability directly with airlines, as the network continues to evolve.

What do domestic flights typically cost in India, and what should expats budget for?

Domestic airfares across India are demand-driven and subject to wide variation based on advance purchase, time of year, and the specific route. As a rough guide, Air India economy fares on the Delhi–Mumbai sector start from approximately ₹5,373 as of 2025, with business class tickets available at around ₹22,963. These figures are indicative only — always consult airline websites directly for current pricing before making any plans.

On shorter or less competitive routes, economy fares can be considerably lower, with LCC promotional prices sometimes falling below ₹2,000 when purchased well in advance. At the other end of the spectrum, last-minute bookings on busy corridors or during festival travel periods can push economy fares well past ₹10,000 per leg.

Expats should also be aware that fares may be subject to upward pressure from rising operational costs, particularly on routes where fewer carriers compete. While trunk routes linking Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities benefit from healthy rivalry between IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air, regional routes with minimal competition can carry a much higher price per kilometre.

The majority of India’s LCCs operate on an unbundled pricing model, meaning checked baggage, seat selection, and meals are sold separately rather than being included in the base fare. For expats who routinely travel with luggage, these additional charges can add substantially to the headline price. Always account for baggage fees when conducting a genuine like-for-like comparison across carriers. For the most reliable and current fare information, consult airline websites or aggregators such as MakeMyTrip, Google Flights, or Skyscanner.

What are the main international airports in India, and which ones are most relevant for expats?

India is served by several large international airports that act as primary entry and exit points for expats travelling to and from abroad. The principal hubs are:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) — India’s busiest airport and the main base for Air India. Delhi–Dubai ranks as the second-busiest international route departing India with 207,000 seats, while Delhi–London Heathrow comes third with 176,000 seats. The Airport Express Line of the Delhi Metro whisks passengers to the city centre in under 20 minutes.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) — Gateway to India’s financial capital and the country’s second-largest aviation hub. Mumbai–Dubai is India’s single busiest international route, with 237,000 seats recorded as of March 2026. The city is accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, and the expanding Mumbai Metro.
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR) — The main gateway serving India’s technology and startup capital in the south. A key destination for expats employed in the IT sector, with routes to destinations across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
• Chennai International Airport (MAA) — Serving the Tamil Nadu capital and acting as a key hub for South India, with strong links to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD) — Hyderabad’s airport processed 2.5 million passengers in February 2025, representing a 25.9% year-on-year increase, reflecting the city’s emergence as a major technology and pharmaceutical centre.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU) — The principal gateway for Eastern India, with connections to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and domestic routes reaching deep into the Northeast.

The United Arab Emirates accounts for 1.2 million seats from India and holds a 27% share of international capacity, making it the busiest international market. For expats travelling long-haul, routing through Middle Eastern hubs — via Dubai (Emirates, flydubai), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), or Doha (Qatar Airways) — is frequently the most time-efficient and cost-effective way to reach Europe, the Americas, or Africa.

All major airports offer pre-paid taxi counters, designated ride-hailing pick-up zones (Uber and Ola operate at most Indian airports), and metro or rail connections at Delhi and Bengaluru. Urban traffic congestion in Indian cities means travel times between airports and city centres can vary considerably during peak hours — allow extra time, particularly in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Are there any rules, restrictions, or practicalities at India’s airports that expats should be aware of?

Several important practicalities apply to expats flying within or into India:

Identification for domestic flights — Indian regulations mandate that all passengers carry government-issued photo identification on domestic flights. Foreign nationals must carry their passport at all times. Indian citizen alternatives such as the Aadhaar card are not applicable to foreigners. Keep your passport in your hand luggage rather than in checked baggage whenever you fly domestically.

Check-in times — Most domestic carriers advise arriving at least 90 minutes before departure, with 2–3 hours recommended for international services. Online check-in generally opens 48 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Arriving late risks denied boarding without any entitlement to a refund.

Baggage allowances — Domestic LCCs including IndiGo and Akasa Air typically provide a complimentary carry-on allowance (commonly 7 kg) while levying charges for checked baggage. Full-service carriers such as Air India generally include a checked baggage allowance within the fare. Confirm the applicable policy at the time of booking, as allowances differ by fare class and route. The DGCA has introduced tightened safety, pilot duty-time, and passenger notification requirements, with baggage policies also subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Customs and biosecurity on arrival from abroad — India applies standard international customs procedures. Fresh food, soil, certain plant materials, and large quantities of foreign currency (above USD 5,000 in cash, or total foreign exchange instruments exceeding USD 10,000) must be declared on arrival. The import of certain items — including satellite phones and drones — is strictly controlled. Always verify the latest requirements with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) before travelling, as regulations are subject to change.

Security — Airport security procedures in India broadly mirror those in other major international systems, encompassing X-ray screening of all carry-on items and body scanning. Liquids exceeding 100ml are not permitted in cabin baggage on international departures. Shoes must be removed at most domestic security checkpoints.

How does air travel connectivity in India affect day-to-day expat life?

For expats residing in India’s principal cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, or Kolkata — domestic flight connectivity is excellent, and flying frequently represents a practical and preferable substitute for lengthy rail or road journeys. The density of services on major corridors sometimes makes same-day decisions to fly a realistic option, though fares at short notice will inevitably be higher.

For those stationed in smaller cities or regional postings, the picture is more uneven. Carriers such as Fly91, IndiaOne Air, and Star Air are steadily pushing into regional connectivity and previously underserved routes, though their combined scale remains modest and growth is incremental. Expats based in smaller tier-2 or tier-3 cities may find that every journey requires a connection through a major hub, adding time and expense.

The Northeast — encompassing states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh — has historically suffered from limited air connectivity, though the situation is gradually improving. Air India Express has been expanding its Northeast operations, adding services to cities including Imphal and Agartala to the benefit of all travellers in the region. Nonetheless, expats assigned to the Northeast should anticipate multi-leg journeys and build that reality into their planning.

For regular travel back to home countries, India’s well-established international hub connections — particularly through the Middle East — make long-haul routing relatively manageable from any major city. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has noted a remarkable surge in passenger numbers and projects that traffic from India will double by 2035, pointing to continued growth in international routes and frequencies in the years ahead.

India’s rail network remains a world-class alternative for many journeys — high-speed Vande Bharat trains and comfortable overnight sleeper services offer excellent options for trips of four to eight hours. Air travel becomes most critical for journeys exceeding six to eight hours by rail, for island destinations, and for the mountainous Northeast where roads are frequently difficult to navigate throughout the year.

What should expats know about travel insurance and passenger rights when flying in India?

The Indian government has put in place formal regulations designed to safeguard the interests of passengers on Indian airlines and at airports across the country. The Passenger Charter, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), sets out the rights and responsibilities of air travellers. Oversight and enforcement rest with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Passenger rights in India are not discretionary courtesies extended at airlines’ convenience — they are legally enforceable protections established under the Ministry of Civil Aviation Passenger Charter and upheld by DGCA regulations. These rules cover domestic flights within India and, in many instances, extend to international flights departing from Indian airports.

The framework bears a broad resemblance in scope to the European Union’s EC 261/2004 regulation, though the specific thresholds and conditions differ. The core entitlements under the DGCA Passenger Charter include:

• For domestic flights delayed by more than two hours, or international flights delayed beyond four hours, airlines are obliged to provide passengers with complimentary meals and refreshments.
• Where a delay exceeds six hours, the airline must offer either an alternative flight within six hours or a full refund of the fare. For delays extending overnight, airlines must arrange complimentary hotel accommodation and transfers — unless the delay stems from extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, dense fog, or security threats.
• Airlines are required to proactively notify passengers of their rights, sending a direct link to the DGCA Passenger Charter via SMS or WhatsApp following a booking, with this information also clearly displayed on airline websites and tickets.
• Compensation for involuntary denied boarding is also stipulated under DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 (BVA) was passed to establish a stronger statutory basis for air passenger rights in India, reinforcing the existing protections and bringing the framework into closer alignment with international standards. On international routes, the Montreal Convention 1999 also applies, governing airline liability in cases of delays, baggage damage, and accidents.

Despite these formal protections, expats are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. Cover should extend to flight disruption, medical evacuation (a particularly important consideration for those in remote postings), baggage loss, and trip cancellation. India’s aviation sector, though growing at pace, does experience operational disruptions — the overall flight cancellation rate stands at approximately 1.09%, with most disruptions attributable to weather (30%), technical faults (31.3%), and operational causes (24.5%), according to DGCA data. Travel insurance provides a practical safety net beyond the passenger rights framework. Compare policies carefully, paying attention to whether coverage extends to the specific regions of India where you will be living and travelling.

Complaints should first be raised directly with the airline concerned, and if unresolved, escalated to the DGCA or through the government’s AirSewa portal (airsewa.gov.in), which provides a dedicated grievance resolution channel for air passengers in India.

Frequently asked questions: air travel in India for expats

Do I need my passport to fly domestically within India as a foreign national?

Yes. Foreign nationals must present a valid passport as photo identification on all domestic flights within India. Indian government identity documents such as the Aadhaar card are available only to Indian citizens and qualifying residents, and are not an option for foreign nationals. Always keep your passport in your hand luggage rather than in checked baggage when travelling on domestic services.

Which is the best airline for domestic travel in India?

IndiGo consistently leads on punctuality, recording an 84% on-time rate in May 2025, with Air India at 79.7% and Akasa Air at 78.9%. IndiGo also offers the broadest domestic network and the highest service frequency. Air India is preferable for travellers who value a full-service experience with baggage and meals included. Akasa Air provides a growing budget alternative with a solid service reputation. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your route, budget, and personal preferences.

How far in advance should I book domestic flights in India?

On well-travelled routes during peak travel windows — Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, and school holiday periods — reserving seats four to eight weeks ahead is advisable to access sensible fares. On high-frequency trunk routes such as Delhi–Mumbai or Bengaluru–Hyderabad, last-minute availability is usually possible but comes at a premium. For regional or less-served routes, advance booking is equally important given the lower total seat capacity on offer.

Are low-cost fares on Indian airlines truly budget-friendly?

Advertised fares can be remarkably low — promotional prices under ₹2,000 for short sectors are not uncommon when booked well ahead. However, Indian LCCs operate on an unbundled model in which checked baggage, preferred seating, and meals all carry additional charges. Once these extras are factored in, the real cost of travel can be considerably higher than the headline figure suggests. Always calculate the all-in price including baggage costs before committing to a booking.

Is the Northeast of India well connected by flights?

Air connectivity to the Northeast has improved substantially in recent years, with weekly departures from Guwahati rising considerably. Connectivity to smaller towns and more remote states remains comparatively limited, however. Expats based in states such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, or Meghalaya should expect to route via Guwahati or Kolkata and factor in longer overall travel times.

Can I reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Lakshadweep by air?

Yes — both territories have airports, and flying is the primary mode of travel for most visitors. Port Blair in the Andaman Islands receives direct flights from several mainland cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Agatti Island in Lakshadweep is served by scheduled flights from Kochi (Cochin). Seats can be limited during peak season, so early booking is strongly advised. Ferry services from the mainland are also available but take considerably longer.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or significantly delayed in India?

Passenger entitlements for delayed or cancelled flights are governed by DGCA regulations and the Passenger Charter (reaffirmed in 2025). Core protections include complimentary meals for domestic delays exceeding two hours, the choice of rebooking or a full refund when delays surpass six hours, and hotel accommodation for overnight delays. Compensation for involuntary denied boarding is also mandated by regulation. Lodge your complaint with the airline in the first instance, then escalate through the AirSewa portal at airsewa.gov.in if the matter remains unresolved.

Which international airlines fly into India, and are there direct long-haul options?

The UAE is India’s busiest international aviation market, accounting for 1.2 million seats per month and a 27% share of international capacity. Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and numerous other major carriers operate into Indian cities. Air India flies non-stop to destinations in North America, Europe, and Australia. Routing through Middle Eastern hubs — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha — provides the widest onward connectivity and is often the most cost-effective approach for long-haul travel from India.