India's domestic air transport market is one of the fastest-growing markets globally, driven by increasing middle-class incomes, government policies like UDAN to foster regional connectivity, and demand for low-cost, efficient air travel.
According to India possesses a diverse full-service and low-cost as well as regional carrier fleet that serves over 90 domestic destinations as of 2025.
Major Domestic Airlines in India (2025)
IndiGo
IndiGo is India's leading domestic market-share airline (over 60%), known for punctuality, low cost, and high connecting density of covering key metros to tier-2 towns. It operates with a fleet dominated by Airbus A320 family aircraft and has strong dominance in hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Air India
The national carrier, now part of Tata Group, is a three-class full-service operation (First, Executive, Economy). It serves an extensive domestic and international network and is part of Star Alliance. Air India is known for upscale facilities and high connectivity.
Vistara
A partnership company of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Vistara is India's sole 5-star-rated airline (Skytrax 2022). It has three cabin classes and concentrates on high-end service, operating from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru primarily.
SpiceJet
One of the leading low-cost carriers, SpiceJet connects several tier-2 cities at affordable fares. It operates Boeing 737 and Q400 turboprops and features services such as SpiceMax (extra legroom) and SpiceXpress cargo.
AirAsia India (AIX Connect)
AirAsia India, which is now owned completely by Tata Sons and has been renamed AIX Connect, flies Airbus A320s with emphasis on on-time performance and low prices, primarily covering southern and eastern India.
Akasa Air
Inducted in 2022, Akasa Air is a new low-cost airline with a contemporary Boeing 737 MAX fleet, with an emphasis on sustainability and low fares with free snacks on board.
Alliance Air
An Air India subsidiary, Alliance Air has ATR 72 aircraft with a focus on regional connectivity, particularly under the UDAN scheme, connecting tier-3 cities and smaller towns.
Other Emerging and Regional Airlines
Star Air and FlyBig are regional connectivity specialists, specifically in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Northeast India, through smaller aircraft such as the Embraer E175 and ATR 72.
Go First
Being temporarily suspended from May 2023 due to financial problems, Go First was famous for super-cheap fares and on-time arrivals.
Key Domestic Airlines in India (2025)
Airline | Founded | Headquarters | Fleet Size (approx.) | Key Hubs | Service Type | Notable Features |
IndiGo | 2006 | Gurgaon, Haryana | 300+ (Airbus A320/A321) | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai | Low-cost carrier | Largest market share, punctual, affordable fares |
Air India | 1932 | Gurugram, Haryana | 120+ (Boeing, Airbus) | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru | Full-service | Flag carrier, Star Alliance member, premium amenities |
Vistara | 2015 | Gurgaon, Haryana | 60+ (Airbus A320neo, Boeing 787) | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru | Full-service | 5-star rated, three cabin classes |
SpiceJet | 2005 | Gurgaon, Haryana | 90+ (Boeing 737, Q400) | Delhi, Hyderabad | Low-cost carrier | Budget fares, regional connectivity, SpiceMax seats |
AirAsia India (AIX Connect) | 2013 | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 30+ (Airbus A320) | Bengaluru | Low-cost carrier | Ultra-low cost, punctual, dynamic pricing |
Akasa Air | 2022 | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 20+ (Boeing 737 MAX) | Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai | Low-cost carrier | Newest airline, sustainability focus, free snacks |
Alliance Air | 1996 | New Delhi | 20+ (ATR 72) | Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai | Regional carrier | Connects tier-2/3 cities, UDAN scheme focus |
Star Air | 2019 | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 8 (Embraer E175) | Hubli, Belagavi, Tirupati | Regional carrier | Regional connectivity in South India |
FlyBig | 2020 | Guwahati, Assam | 3 (ATR 72) | Guwahati, Shillong, Kolkata | Regional carrier | Northeast India focus |
Go First | 2005 | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Suspended operations | Delhi, Mumbai | Low-cost carrier | Known for low fares, currently suspended |
India's domestic airline industry in 2025 is dominated by intense rivalry among well-developed low-cost players such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, full-service carriers like Air India and Vistara, and regional carriers that increase the connectivity to smaller towns.
This competition has led to better services, lower prices, and increased air travel penetration in the country, enabling India to emerge as one of the world's largest aviation markets.
India's domestic airline industry in 2025 is dominated by intense rivalry among well-developed low-cost players such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, full-service carriers like Air India and Vistara, and regional carriers that increase the connectivity to smaller towns.
This competition has led to better services, lower prices, and increased air travel penetration in the country, enabling India to emerge as one of the world's largest aviation markets.
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