Ever booked a flight and later wished you had chosen a better airline? Maybe the seats were too cramped, the food was disappointing, or the flight was delayed without a proper update. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re spending your hard-earned money and just want a smooth, comfortable journey whether it’s for a quick business trip or a long-awaited vacation.
That’s why we’ve put together this easy, helpful guide to the Top 10 Airlines in India. From budget-friendly carriers to luxury services with lie-flat seats and gourmet meals, this blog will help you compare options, understand what each airline offers, and choose the right one for your needs in 2025. Let’s dive in and make your next flight decision way easier!
Introduction to India’s Aviation Industry
India’s aviation industry is now the third-largest domestic market in the world, handling over 140 million passengers each year. It offers a wide mix of airline options like full-service carriers, budget airlines, and regional players to suit different travel needs, whether you’re flying for business or leisure.
The sector is also changing fast. Big airline mergers (such as Vistara joining Air India), new airlines like Akasa Air, and a growing focus on eco-friendly travel are shaping the future of flying in India.
Top 10 Airlines in India (2025)
India’s top airlines in 2025 offer something for every traveler whether you want low-cost options, premium comfort, or regional reach. IndiGo leads the market with its huge fleet and punctual service, while Air India stands out for long-haul international routes and premium features like lie-flat seats. Vistara, backed by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is India’s only 5-star airline, offering three-class cabins and complimentary meals.
SpiceJet and AirAsia India serve budget flyers with affordable fares and solid regional networks. Newcomer Akasa Air focuses on sustainability and free onboard snacks. Alliance Air, Star Air, and FlyBig ensure smaller towns stay connected, especially in Northeast India and Tier-2 cities. Go First operations remain suspended, but it was once known for cheap tickets and good punctuality
IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s biggest airline, holding over 60% of the market share. It runs more than 300 aircraft, mostly Airbus A320 and A321 models, and flies key domestic routes like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, along with international cities such as Dubai and Singapore.
Travelers prefer IndiGo for its strong on-time performance, low-cost fares, and added perks like IndiGo 6E Prime, which includes priority check-in and extra services.
Air India
Air India, originally founded in 1932 and now revamped under the Tata Group, is known for its wide international network and premium in-flight experience. Its fleet includes over 120 aircraft, such as Boeing 787 Dreamliners, flying to top global cities like New York, London, and Tokyo, along with all major Indian metros.
Passengers choose Air India for its full-service offerings like lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, and membership in Star Alliance, which gives travelers access to global connections and benefits.
Vistara
Vistara is a premium airline launched in 2015 as a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. It operates a fleet of over 60 aircraft, including Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 planes, flying key routes like Delhi Mumbai, Delhi Singapore, and Mumbai–Dubai.
Vistara is known for its 5-star service, offering a three-class cabin setup Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. Travelers love the complimentary meals, personalized entertainment, and comfortable flying experience that set Vistara apart from other carriers.
SpiceJet
SpiceJet, founded in 2005, is one of India’s leading budget airlines, known for affordable fares and wide regional coverage. Its fleet includes over 90 aircraft like Boeing 737s and Q400 turboprops, serving routes across Tier-2 cities such as Jaipur, Srinagar, and Guwahati.
Flyers choose SpiceJet for its frequent discounts, SpiceMax seats with extra legroom, and reliable service in remote areas. The airline also runs a cargo arm, SpiceXpress, to strengthen regional logistics and connectivity.
AirAsia India
AirAsia India, launched in 2014 as a joint venture between the Tata Group and AirAsia, is a well-known ultra-low-cost carrier. With a fleet of over 30 Airbus A320 aircraft, it operates popular domestic routes including Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi, and Pune.
Travelers choose AirAsia India for its dynamic pricing, budget-friendly fares, and smooth connections to AirAsia’s Southeast Asia network. It also offers Premium Flex for those who need flexible bookings and added convenience.
Akasa Air
Akasa Air, India’s newest airline founded in 2022, is quickly gaining attention for its modern fleet and eco-friendly approach. Operating over 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, it covers major routes like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Known for affordable fares, punctual service, and a refreshing onboard experience, Akasa Air also offers free snacks and beverages, making it a standout among new low-cost carriers focused on sustainability in aviation.
Alliance Air
Alliance Air, established in 1996 as a subsidiary of Air India, focuses on regional connectivity across India. With a fleet of over 20 ATR 72 aircraft, it serves smaller cities and towns like Shimla, Agra, and Jalgaon, often under the UDAN scheme.
Travelers choose Alliance Air for budget-friendly fares and access to remote destinations that are otherwise hard to reach. It’s a go-to option for short-haul travel within India’s regional network.
Go First (Currently Suspended)
Go First, previously known as GoAir, was founded in 2005 and gained popularity as a low-cost airline known for its punctuality and ultra-cheap fares. It primarily operated Airbus A320 aircraft and focused on connecting major cities across India.
However, due to financial challenges, Go First suspended operations in May 2023. While it’s not currently active, the airline had built a reputation for being a reliable and affordable option for domestic travelers.
Star Air
Star Air, launched in 2019, is a niche player in India’s aviation market, focusing on regional connectivity in states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. With a small fleet of Embraer E175 aircraft, it serves routes to cities such as Hubli, Belagavi, and Tirupati.
The airline is known for offering affordable tickets and smooth short-distance travel, especially to underserved regions. For passengers looking to skip long road trips, Star Air is a practical and budget-friendly choice.
FlyBig
FlyBig, established in 2020, is a small regional airline that focuses on serving Northeast India. With just three ATR 72 aircraft, it connects cities like Guwahati, Shillong, and Kolkata.
This carrier is known for offering budget-friendly fares on routes to mountainous and remote regions, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking convenience and affordability in areas that are otherwise hard to reach.
How to Choose the Right Airline
Choosing the right airline depends on your travel needs and budget. If you’re a budget traveler, low-cost carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, or AirAsia India are great for saving money on domestic flights. They offer basic amenities and competitive pricing.
For a more comfortable experience, luxury travelers should consider Vistara or Air India, which provide premium services, lie-flat seats, and complimentary meals on many routes. If you’re heading to remote locations, airlines like Alliance Air, Star Air, or FlyBig are ideal due to their strong regional connectivity. For international flights, Air India covers long-haul destinations, while IndiGo offers routes to nearby hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and more.
TruJet
TruJet was a regional, low-cost Indian airline operating from July 2015 until February 2022, based in Hyderabad with a secondary hub in Chennai. It flew ATR turboprop aircraft (ATR 72‑500/‑600) on routes to Tier‑2 and smaller cities like Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Goa, often under the UDAN scheme
Financial troubles forced it to cease operations, but significant efforts first by WinAir (Aaryan Group) and later NS Aviation—have been made to revive the carrier. As of mid-2023, NS Aviation acquired an 85% stake and aims to restart flights using a mix of ATRs and narrow-body Airbus A320s, targeting UDAN connectivity and possibly international cargo sectors
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is the flagship carrier of Singapore, consistently ranked as a 5-star airline and often named one of the world’s best aviationa. It operates a modern, widebody-heavy fleet including Airbus A350, A380, Boeing 777, and 787 totaling around 163 aircraft. The airline connects Singapore Changi Airport to about 120 international destinations, including ultra-long-haul routes to New York–JFK the world’s longest nonstop flight
As a Star Alliance member, Singapore Airlines benefits from extensive global partnerships and premium service offerings. It’s currently upgrading its long-haul fleet including new first and business-class seats on Airbus A350s reaffirming its reputation for comfort and luxury
FAQs
Which Indian airline is the best?
It depends on what you’re looking for. IndiGo is best for punctual, low-cost travel. Vistara offers top-notch comfort and premium services, while Air India is great for long-haul international flights.
What is the difference between Indian airlines and Air India?
“Indian airlines” is a general term for all airlines in India. Air India is one specific airline, now owned by the Tata Group, known for its international routes and full-service experience.
Which is the largest airline in India?
IndiGo is the largest airline in India by market share and fleet size. It operates over 300 aircraft and dominates both domestic and short-haul international routes.
How many airlines run in India?
As of 2025, India has around 10 active airlines, including major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet, along with several regional operators like FlyBig and Star Air.
How many flights fly in India per day?
On average, over 7,000 flights operate daily in India, covering both domestic and international routes. This number can vary depending on the season and travel demand.
Conclusion
India’s aviation industry is growing fast, with airlines offering something for every kind of traveler. Whether you want low fares, premium comfort, or regional access, there’s an airline that fits your needs perfectly. From big players like IndiGo and Air India to regional stars like FlyBig and Star Air, options are plenty.
So, before booking your next flight, think about what matters most budget, comfort, or destination. With the right choice, your journey can be as smooth and enjoyable as your destination itself. Safe travels!
