Table of Contents
- The Landscape of Domestic Air Travel in India
- Domestic Airlines Currently Operating
- The No. 1 Airline in India
- Baggage Rules & Official Links
- Baggage Allowance Comparison Table
- Popular Domestic Routes
- How to Choose the Right Airline
- Booking Tips to Save Money
- Airlines That Ceased Operations
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Landscape of Domestic Air Travel in India
India operates one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. With over 140 operational airports and more than 700 routes, the domestic network connects metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad with remote destinations including Leh, Agartala, Dibrugarh, and Port Blair.
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulates all domestic carriers, setting safety standards and passenger protection rules. The Government of India's UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) has been a game-changer for regional connectivity, subsidising routes to underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities that commercial airlines would otherwise ignore.
Domestic Airlines Currently Operating
The following carriers were actively operating domestic routes in India as of 2025. Note that Vistara completed its merger with Air India in late 2024 and no longer flies as a separate brand.
Full-Service & Premium Carriers
Air India — The national carrier, now under Tata Group ownership after its 2022 privatisation. Air India has invested heavily in fleet modernisation, new aircraft orders, and service upgrades. It offers the most generous checked baggage allowance among Indian domestic carriers and is the preferred choice for business travellers and those carrying heavier loads.
Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)
IndiGo — India's largest airline by a wide margin, with over 300 aircraft and 2,000+ daily flights. IndiGo is the go-to option for price-sensitive travellers who prioritise punctuality and network coverage over on-board comfort.
SpiceJet — One of India's oldest low-cost carriers, covering 60+ destinations. SpiceJet has faced financial turbulence in recent years but continues to operate a significant domestic network, particularly strong on tier-2 city routes.
Air India Express — The budget arm of the Air India group, operating a lean network of domestic and short-haul international routes at competitive fares.
Akasa Air — India's newest full-scale airline, launched in August 2022 by the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Akasa operates a young, fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX fleet and has grown rapidly, focusing on underserved routes with a strong digital-first booking experience.
Regional & UDAN Carriers
Star Air — Connects tier-2 and tier-3 cities, especially in South and Central India, operating Embraer regional jets under the UDAN scheme.
FlyBig — A small regional carrier operating turboprop aircraft on routes in Northeast India and remote hill stations, primarily under UDAN subsidies.
The No. 1 Airline in India
IndiGo is India's number one domestic airline by every measurable metric — market share, fleet size, daily departures, and route count. As of 2025, IndiGo commands over 55% of India's domestic passenger traffic, a dominance it has held consistently since 2012.
Key reasons for IndiGo's market leadership include a single-fleet strategy (Airbus A320 family) that keeps maintenance costs low, aggressive route expansion into tier-2 cities, and a reputation for on-time performance that resonates strongly with business travellers. Its no-frills model keeps base fares competitive, with optional paid add-ons for meals, seat selection, and extra baggage.
For passengers who value premium service over price, Air India — especially post-Tata transformation — is increasingly competitive, with refurbished cabins, better inflight meals, and a more generous baggage policy.
Baggage Rules & Official Links
Baggage policies vary by airline and fare type. Always verify your allowance on your booking confirmation rather than relying on general guidelines, as promotional fares sometimes include zero checked baggage. Below are official baggage policy pages for each active carrier.
- IndiGo Baggage Policy — 15 kg Economy standard; pre-book extra baggage online for best rates.
- Air India Baggage Policy — 25 kg Economy; most generous among domestic carriers.
- Air India Express Baggage Policy — 15 kg Economy; check fare-specific inclusions at booking.
- SpiceJet Baggage Policy — 15 kg Economy; some UDAN routes allow 20 kg.
- Akasa Air Baggage Policy — 15 kg Economy; flexible paid add-ons available.
- Star Air Baggage Policy — 15 kg Economy; regional routes only.
For regulatory baseline rules, refer to the DGCA website. Our detailed guide on hand baggage allowance in India covers cabin bag dimensions and restrictions in full.
Baggage Allowance Comparison Table
All figures below apply to standard Economy class fares. Business class, premium economy, and special promotional fares will differ. Pre-purchasing extra baggage online before check-in is always cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
| Airline | Cabin Baggage | Checked (Economy) | Checked (Business) | Excess Baggage (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 7 kg | 15 kg | N/A | Rs. 400–600 / kg online |
| Air India | 8 kg | 25 kg | 35 kg | Rs. 300–500 / kg online |
| Air India Express | 7 kg | 15 kg | N/A | Rs. 400–550 / kg online |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg | 15 kg | N/A | Rs. 400–600 / kg online |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg | 15 kg | N/A | Rs. 350–500 / kg online |
| Star Air | 7 kg | 15 kg | N/A | Check with airline |
Popular Domestic Routes
India's busiest domestic corridors link its four largest cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad — which together account for more than half of all domestic departures. Below are the highest-traffic routes, useful for comparing flight frequency and competition between airlines.
| Route | Approx. Flight Time | Main Airlines | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) – Mumbai (BOM) | 2 hrs | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa | 50+ daily flights |
| Delhi (DEL) – Bengaluru (BLR) | 2 hrs 45 min | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa | 30+ daily flights |
| Mumbai (BOM) – Bengaluru (BLR) | 1 hr 35 min | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa | 25+ daily flights |
| Delhi (DEL) – Hyderabad (HYD) | 2 hrs 10 min | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | 20+ daily flights |
| Delhi (DEL) – Kolkata (CCU) | 2 hrs 20 min | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | 15+ daily flights |
| Delhi (DEL) – Chennai (MAA) | 2 hrs 45 min | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | 15+ daily flights |
| Bengaluru (BLR) – Hyderabad (HYD) | 1 hr 10 min | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa | 15+ daily flights |
| Delhi (DEL) – Leh (IXL) | 1 hr 20 min | IndiGo, Air India | 4–6 daily (seasonal) |
| Mumbai (BOM) – Goa (GOI) | 1 hr | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa | 10+ daily flights |
How to Choose the Right Airline
With multiple carriers covering most major routes, the choice comes down to four factors: price, baggage needs, travel time, and service expectations.
Choose IndiGo if:
You are travelling light (15 kg or less), want the most flight time options, and prioritise punctuality and low base fares. IndiGo is ideal for business travellers on short-haul routes where on-board comfort is less important than reliability.
Choose Air India if:
You are carrying heavier baggage (25 kg included), prefer a full-service experience with meals, or are travelling as a family where the generous allowance reduces add-on costs. Air India is also the best option for routes to smaller cities served by its ATR turboprop fleet.
Choose Akasa Air if:
You want a newer aircraft experience, competitive fares on routes it serves, and a hassle-free digital booking experience. Akasa's Boeing 737 MAX fleet offers a comfortable seat pitch and modern IFE connectivity on select routes.
Choose SpiceJet if:
You are travelling on a route where SpiceJet has a strong presence, particularly tier-2 city connections, and the fare is meaningfully lower than competitors. Compare total prices including baggage fees before booking.
Booking Tips to Save Money
- Book 3–6 weeks ahead for the best fares on high-demand routes like Delhi-Mumbai. Last-minute bookings on these corridors are consistently expensive.
- Fly Tuesday to Thursday — mid-week departures are typically 15–30% cheaper than weekend flights on most domestic routes.
- Use airline apps directly — IndiGo and Akasa Air occasionally offer app-exclusive discounts not available on third-party portals.
- Pre-purchase baggage at booking — adding checked baggage at the time of booking is cheaper than adding it later, and far cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner — prices fluctuate significantly on popular routes. Alerts notify you when fares drop.
- Consider early morning or late-night flights — the first departure of the day tends to have fewer delays and sometimes lower fares, especially on secondary routes.
- Check UDAN routes for remote destinations — if you are flying to a tier-3 city, UDAN-subsidised fares cap tickets at Rs. 2,500 for one-hour segments, making some remote routes genuinely affordable.
Airlines That Ceased Operations
India's aviation history includes several high-profile closures, largely driven by fuel costs, unsustainable debt, and intense fare competition. Understanding which airlines no longer operate helps avoid booking confusion, particularly on older review sites that may still list them.
| Airline | Year Closed | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Jet Airways | 2019 | Accumulated debt exceeding Rs. 8,500 crore; creditor-led shutdown |
| GoFirst (Go Air) | 2023 | Filed for insolvency; Pratt & Whitney engine shortages grounded the fleet |
| Vistara | 2024 | Merged into Air India; ceased independent operations November 2024 |
| AirAsia India | 2023 | Fully merged into Air India Express |
| Kingfisher Airlines | 2012 | Financial collapse; licence suspended by DGCA |
| Air Deccan | 2008 | Merged into Kingfisher Airlines |
| Paramount Airways | 2010 | Operational and financial difficulties |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly domestically in India?
Active domestic carriers as of 2025 include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Star Air, and FlyBig. Vistara completed its merger with Air India in late 2024 and no longer flies independently. Regional carriers operate select UDAN routes to smaller cities.
Which is the No. 1 domestic airline in India?
IndiGo is India's largest domestic airline, consistently holding over 55% market share. It operates the most daily flights, the largest fleet, and the widest domestic route network of any carrier in the country.
What are the baggage allowances for domestic flights in India?
Most domestic carriers allow 7 kg cabin baggage and 15 kg checked baggage in Economy class. Air India is the exception, offering 25 kg checked baggage in Economy — the most generous standard allowance among domestic carriers. Business class passengers typically receive 25–35 kg. Always check your specific fare at booking, as promotional fares sometimes include zero checked baggage.
How early should I arrive for a domestic flight in India?
Arrive at least 2 hours before departure at major airports such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR). For smaller airports, 90 minutes is generally sufficient. Check-in counters typically close 45 minutes before departure. Allow extra time during peak holiday periods and festival seasons.
What documents are required for domestic flights in India?
A valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory for all passengers. Accepted IDs include Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, voter ID, and driving licence. Children under 12 can travel on a birth certificate. Foreign nationals must carry their passport. See our full guide on travel documents for India flights and ID requirements for minors.
What is the UDAN scheme and which airlines participate?
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a Government of India initiative to connect underserved regional airports through subsidised fares capped at Rs. 2,500 for one-hour segments. Star Air, FlyBig, and Alliance Air are the primary UDAN operators. The scheme has connected over 70 new airports since its launch in 2017.
Which Indian domestic airlines have shut down?
Notable closures include Jet Airways (2019), GoFirst (2023), Kingfisher Airlines (2012), Air Deccan (2008), and Paramount Airways (2010). Vistara and AirAsia India both merged into Air India and Air India Express respectively in 2023-24 and are no longer independent airlines.
Can I book domestic flights in India without a credit card?
Yes. All major airline websites and apps accept UPI, net banking, debit cards, and credit cards. Third-party portals like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and EaseMyTrip offer the same payment options and sometimes carry additional bank discount offers.
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