Top Domestic Airlines
Top International Airlines
Complete Guide to Airlines in India:Domestic Airlines List 2026
India's aviation sector has witnessed remarkable growth, making it the third-largest domestic aviation market globally. With over 140 million passengers flying annually, understanding the landscape of domestic airlines in India is essential for travelers. This comprehensive guide covers all airlines in India, including their IATA codes, founding years, and operational hubs.
Overview of Indian Domestic Airlines
India currently operates several major and regional airlines serving both domestic and international routes. From full-service carriers like Air India to low-cost carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet, Indian airlines offer diverse options for every type of traveler. The aviation industry in India continues to expand with new airlines preparing to launch operations in 2026.
Complete List of Airlines in India
| Airline | IATA Code | Founded | Main Hubs/Bases |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 6E | 2006 | Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), Kolkata (CCU), Kochi (COK) |
| Air India | AI | 1932 | Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR) |
| SpiceJet | SG | 2005 | Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Hyderabad (HYD), Bengaluru (BLR) |
| Air India Express | IX | 2005 | Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Delhi (DEL), Kochi (COK), Kozhikode (CCJ), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) |
| Akasa Air | QP | 2022 | Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Bengaluru (BLR) |
| Alliance Air | 9I | 1996 | Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Kolkata (CCU), Hyderabad (HYD) |
Top Airlines in India - Detailed Overview
1. IndiGo (6E) - India's Largest Airline
Founded: 2006
Fleet Size: 434+ aircraft
Type: Low-cost carrier
IndiGo is India's largest and most popular domestic airline, commanding over 64% of the domestic market share. Operating more than 2,700 daily flights to 137 destinations (94 domestic and 43 international), IndiGo has become Asia's second-largest airline by passenger volume.
Key Features:
- Main hub at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Additional bases in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Kochi
- Fleet comprises Airbus A320 family aircraft and ATR 72-600 turboprops
- Known for punctuality and affordable fares
- IndiGo CarGo operates dedicated cargo services
Why Choose IndiGo:
- Extensive domestic network covering major cities and regional destinations
- Competitive pricing with frequent promotional offers
- Reliable on-time performance
- Modern fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft
IndiGo Airlines | IndiGo Flight & PNR Status | IndiGo Web Check-In
2. Air India (AI) - The National Carrier
Founded: 1932 (originally as Tata Airlines)
Fleet Size: 189+ aircraft (as of November 2025)
Type: Full-service carrier
Air India is India's flagship carrier and the oldest airline in the country. After being privatized and acquired by Tata Group in 2022, Air India has undergone significant modernization. The airline operates both domestic and international routes, serving 87 destinations across five continents.
Key Features:
- Primary hub at Delhi (DEL) with secondary hubs in Mumbai (BOM) and Bengaluru (BLR)
- Member of Star Alliance since 2014
- Operates both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft including Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners
- Offers premium services including lie-flat business class seats
- Extensive international network to North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
Why Choose Air India:
- Best for international travel from India
- Premium cabin experiences with gourmet meals
- Maharaja Lounge access at major airports
- Star Alliance benefits for frequent flyers
Air India Airlines | Air India Flight & PNR Status | Air India Web Check-In
3. SpiceJet (SG) - Budget-Friendly Option
Founded: 2005
Fleet Size: 40+ aircraft
Type: Low-cost carrier
SpiceJet is one of India's leading budget airlines, known for affordable fares and decent regional connectivity. Operating from hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, SpiceJet serves 73 destinations including 60 domestic and 13 international locations.
Key Features:
- Fleet includes Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft
- SpiceXpress division for cargo services
- Frequent promotional offers and discounts
- Strong presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities
Why Choose SpiceJet:
- Competitive pricing for budget travelers
- Good connectivity to smaller cities
- SpiceMax option for extra legroom and priority services
- Flexible booking options
SpiceJet Airlines | SpiceJet Flight & PNR Status | SpiceJet Web Check-In
4. Air India Express (IX) - International Budget Carrier
Founded: 2005
Fleet Size: 88+ aircraft (post-merger with AIX Connect in October 2024)
Type: Low-cost carrier
Air India Express is a low-cost subsidiary of Air India, primarily serving short-haul international routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The airline focuses on connecting South Indian cities with major international destinations.
Key Features:
- Hubs at Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram
- Fleet comprises Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
- Serves 39 domestic and 17 international destinations
- Complimentary refreshments on all flights
- Budget-friendly international travel option
Why Choose Air India Express:
- Affordable international flights, especially to the Gulf region
- Multiple departure cities in South India
- Part of Tata Group's aviation portfolio
- Reliable service for expat communities
Air India Express Airlines | Air India Express Flight & PNR Status | Air India Express Web Check-In
5. Akasa Air (QP) - India's Newest Airline
Founded: 2022
Fleet Size: 30+ aircraft
Type: Low-cost carrier
Akasa Air is India's newest airline, backed by investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Since commencing operations in August 2022, the airline has quickly established itself with a focus on sustainability, modern aircraft, and customer service.
Key Features:
- Main hub at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- All-Boeing 737 MAX fleet, making it one of the youngest fleets in India
- Serves 27 domestic destinations and expanding internationally
- Plans to establish hubs at upcoming Noida and Navi Mumbai airports
- Café Akasa for onboard food purchases
Why Choose Akasa Air:
- Brand new, fuel-efficient aircraft
- Contemporary cabin design with comfortable seating
- Environmentally conscious operations
- Competitive pricing with premium service elements
Akasa Air Airlines | Akasa Air Flight & PNR Status | Akasa Air Web Check-In
6. Alliance Air (9I) - Regional Connectivity Champion
Founded: 1996
Fleet Size: 21 aircraft
Type: Regional carrier
Alliance Air, owned by the Government of India, specializes in connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities as part of the UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme). Operating primarily ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 aircraft, the airline focuses on routes underserved by major carriers.
Key Features:
- Hubs at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad
- Serves 57 domestic destinations
- Fleet of turboprop aircraft suitable for smaller airports
- Government-backed reliability
- Focus on regional and remote connectivity
Why Choose Alliance Air:
- Best for reaching smaller cities and remote destinations
- Affordable regional travel
- Part of government's regional connectivity initiative
- Comfortable turboprop aircraft for short distances
Alliance Air Airlines | Alliance Air Flight & PNR Status | Alliance Air Web Check-In
Airline Types in India
India's aviation sector features two distinct airline models, each designed to serve different passenger needs and budgets. Understanding these categories helps travelers choose the right carrier based on their priorities—whether it's comfort and convenience or cost-effectiveness.
Full-Service Carriers (FSCs) are traditional airlines that bundle comprehensive services into their ticket prices. These airlines focus on providing a premium travel experience with included amenities. Air India, the country's flag carrier, exemplifies this model by offering end-to-end service that caters to passengers seeking comfort and convenience.
Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), also known as budget airlines, operate on a no-frills model where passengers pay only for basic transportation. Additional services are available for purchase, allowing travelers to customize their experience. IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air dominate this segment, making air travel accessible to millions through competitive pricing and operational efficiency.
Difference Between Full-Service and Low-Cost Carriers
| Feature | Full-Service Carriers | Low-Cost Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| Airlines | Air India, Vistara (now merged with Air India) | IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air |
| Meals & Beverages | Complimentary meals and beverages included | Pay-as-you-go; available for purchase |
| Baggage | Generous baggage allowances (typically 15–30 kg checked) | Limited or paid checked baggage; carry-on included |
| Entertainment | In-flight entertainment systems with movies, music, games | Limited or no entertainment; some offer streaming via Wi-Fi |
| Seating | Premium cabin options (Business, First Class) with extra legroom | Single-class configuration; extra legroom seats available for fee |
| Airport Services | Airport lounges, priority check-in, boarding | Standard check-in; priority services available for purchase |
| Pricing Model | Higher base fares with services included | Lower base fares with optional add-ons |
| Focus | Comfort, luxury, full-service experience | Efficiency, quick turnarounds, affordability |
Domestic Airlines Market Share
As of 2025, the market share distribution among Indian airlines:
- IndiGo - 64.2% (Dominant market leader)
- Air India - 27.3% (Second largest)
- Akasa Air - 5.4%
- SpiceJet - 2%
New Airlines Coming to India in 2025
India's aviation sector is set to welcome three new airlines:
- Shankh Air
- Base: Noida International Airport
- Focus: Uttar Pradesh and major metro connections
- Initial fleet: 2 aircraft expanding to 5
- Launch: Expected in 2025
- Air Kerala
- Base: Cochin International Airport
- Focus: Ultra-low-cost carrier model
- Target: Gulf routes and tourism
- Launch: 2025 domestic, 2026 international
- Alhind Air
- Base: Cochin International Airport
- Focus: South India and regional connectivity
- Initial fleet: ATR 72-600 aircraft
- Launch: 2025
How to Choose the Right Indian Airline?
- For Budget Travel: Choose IndiGo, SpiceJet, or Akasa Air for competitive domestic fares
- For International Flights: Air India offers the most extensive international network with premium services
- For Gulf/Middle East: Air India Express provides affordable connections to the Middle East
- For Regional/Remote Destinations: Alliance Air specializes in connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities
- For Premium Experience: Air India offers the best full-service experience with Star Alliance benefits
Booking Tips for Indian Airlines
- Book in Advance: Domestic flights are cheapest 2-3 months before travel
- Compare Airlines: Use flight comparison websites to find the best deals
- Check Baggage Policy: Low-cost carriers charge extra for checked baggage
- Web Check-In: Available 24-48 hours before departure, saves time at airport
- Join Loyalty Programs: IndiGo's 6E Rewards and Air India's Flying Returns offer benefits
- Watch for Sales: Airlines regularly offer promotional fares during festive seasons
Indian Airlines Flight Services
Check-in Requirements
- Domestic Flights: Arrive 90 minutes before departure
- International Flights: Arrive 180 minutes before departure
- Web Check-in: Available on all major airlines' websites and apps
Baggage Allowances
- Cabin Baggage: Generally 7kg (varies by airline)
- Checked Baggage: 15-25kg for economy (varies by airline and fare type)
- Premium Classes: Higher allowances on full-service carriers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How many airlines operate in India?
- A: As of 2025, India has approximately 10 active passenger airlines, including major carriers and regional operators.
- Q: Which is the largest airline in India?
- A: IndiGo is the largest airline in India with over 64% domestic market share and a fleet of 434+ aircraft.
- Q: Which Indian airline is best for international travel?
- A: Air India offers the most extensive international network covering five continents, while Air India Express is best for budget international travel to the Middle East.
- Q: Are Indian domestic airlines safe?
- A: Yes, Indian airlines maintain high safety standards regulated by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and newer carriers like Akasa Air have strong safety records.
- Q: Can I get direct flights to smaller cities in India?
- A: Alliance Air specializes in connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities. IndiGo also has an extensive domestic network covering smaller destinations.
