India’s domestic aviation sector continued its impressive upward trajectory in fiscal year 2025 (FY25), recording a robust annual growth rate of 10.35%, according to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The report highlights that Indian airlines carried a total of 431.98 lakh passengers during the period, a substantial rise from 391.46 lakh passengers transported in the previous fiscal year.
The momentum remained strong in March 2025, with domestic airlines carrying 145.42 lakh passengers, reflecting an 8.79% increase compared to 133.68 lakh passengers recorded in March 2024. This growth underscores the steady recovery and expansion of India’s civil aviation sector, driven by rising travel demand and increasing connectivity across the country.
IndiGo continued to dominate the domestic skies, maintaining its leadership position with 93.1 lakh passengers in March and capturing a commanding 64% share of the market. Following IndiGo, the Air India Group — which includes Air India and Air India Express — collectively transported 38.8 lakh passengers, securing a 26.7% market share. Other airlines also contributed significantly, with Akasa Air flying 7.2 lakh passengers, accounting for 5% of the market, while SpiceJet carried 4.8 lakh passengers, representing 3.3% of the total market share.
Operational metrics for March 2025 also pointed to an overall improvement in service efficiency. The cancellation rate for scheduled domestic flights stood at a low 0.56%, indicating better operational resilience among airlines. Passenger satisfaction saw encouraging signs as well, with a total of 739 complaints lodged during the month — translating to about 0.51 complaints per 10,000 passengers. Impressively, airlines addressed 99.2% of these complaints, reflecting a strong focus on customer service and regulatory compliance.
Looking at the broader picture, the domestic aviation sector witnessed a 6.12% rise in passenger numbers for the calendar year 2024. Total passenger traffic reached 16.13 crore, up from 15.2 crore in 2023. This steady growth positions India firmly as one of the fastest-expanding aviation markets globally, fueled by a growing middle class, competitive airline operations, and government initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
As the sector continues its post-pandemic resurgence, the strong performance in FY25 marks a positive outlook for India’s aviation industry, signaling sustained recovery and future expansion opportunities.
