List of Major Domestic Airlines in India

India's domestic air travel market is booming, driven by rising incomes and regional connectivity initiatives like UDAN. Leading airlines include IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, alongside low-cost and regional carriers. This intense competition enhances services and affordability, solidifying India's position as a major global aviation market, connecting diverse cities nationwide.

Jun 13, 2025, 16:36 IST
List of Domestic Airlines in India
List of Domestic Airlines in India

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.

 

Kirti Sharma
Kirti Sharma

Content Writer

Kirti Sharma is a content writing professional with 3 years of experience in the EdTech Industry and Digital Content. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and worked with companies like ThoughtPartners Global, Infinite Group, and MIM-Essay. She writes for the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section of JagranJosh.com.

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