India’s aviation sector has witnessed a strong surge in passenger traffic, with domestic airlines carrying a total of 14.5 million passengers in March 2025, an increase of 8.79% compared to the same month in the previous year.
The sharp rise underscores the continued recovery and growth of the sector, which had flown 13.3 million passengers in March 2024. According to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the growth trend has been led by India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, which accounted for a dominant 64% of the market share. The airline flew 9.31 million passengers last month, reinforcing its position as the market leader. Its continued success reflects its operational efficiency and strong demand for its affordable travel options, which have made it the go-to choice for millions of domestic fliers.
Air India Group, comprising both the full-service carrier Air India and its low-cost arm, Air India Express, followed as the second-largest player, carrying 3.88 million passengers in March. The group secured 26.7% of the market share, a significant contribution to the overall growth in domestic air travel. Despite challenges in the competitive landscape, Air India has been expanding its footprint, particularly with increasing passenger demand for both domestic and international services. Other carriers, including Akasa Air and SpiceJet, also contributed to the growth, though they remain far smaller players in comparison to the top two airlines. Akasa Air, the newcomer to the domestic aviation scene, flew 720,000 passengers in March, holding 5% of the market share. SpiceJet, once a market leader, saw 480,000 passengers fly with it, commanding a market share of 3.3%.
In terms of operational performance, IndiGo stood out for its on-time performance (OTP) in March 2025, recording an impressive 88.1%. OTP is a key metric for evaluating airline efficiency, particularly at major metro airports, and IndiGo’s high score is indicative of its strong management and customer service. Akasa Air, a relatively new entrant, followed closely with an OTP of 86.9%, highlighting its operational reliability. Air India Group and SpiceJet had lower OTP scores at 82% and 72.1%, respectively, indicating room for improvement in their operational efficiency. The surge in air travel is part of a broader trend of recovery in India’s aviation sector, which has seen a steady increase in both domestic and international passengers post-pandemic. The 8.79% year-on-year growth in March 2025 signals that the sector is not only recovering but expanding at a healthy pace, driven by robust demand for both business and leisure travel.
However, the growing traffic also raises concerns about capacity and infrastructure. The continued success of airlines like IndiGo, along with increasing competition from other players, calls for strategic investments in airport infrastructure, especially in major cities where demand is reaching new peaks. Additionally, the aviation industry will need to address the challenges of sustainability, with pressure mounting on airlines to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency as part of India’s broader commitment to a net-zero future. As the aviation sector grows, the focus will likely shift toward better customer experiences, efficient operations, and the development of greener technologies to support sustainable growth. The Indian government’s recent initiatives to modernise airport facilities, introduce more fuel-efficient aircraft, and ensure stricter environmental regulations will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.
The outlook for the rest of 2025 remains positive, with industry experts predicting continued growth in passenger numbers. However, ensuring that the sector remains competitive while adhering to sustainability goals will be crucial as airlines look to capitalise on the burgeoning demand for air travel in India.
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Indian Aviation Sees Robust Growth with 14.5 Million Passengers
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