India's international air travel grows despite geopolitical tensions

Despite geopolitical conflicts and the closure of airspaces, a significant growth in international air travel has been observed in India. According to data provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the number of India's international air passengers in financial year 2026 increased by 6.1 per cent to reach 78.7 million. This figure is higher than the 74.7 million recorded in the year 2024-25.

This growth occurred at a time when Indian airlines had to reroute flights heading west due to geopolitical conflicts and the closure of airspaces. Occasionally, flights had to be cancelled in conflict zones due to last-minute Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) being issued. NOTAMs are notices issued to airspace users to warn them about timely changes, conditions, or hazards in the airspace.

Indian airlines held a 44.4 per cent share in the total international travel market, while foreign airlines held a 55.6 per cent share. Speaking of individual operators, IndiGo held the highest share at 20.8 per cent, followed by Air India in second place with 12.9 per cent.

At the same time, in the financial year ending on March 2026, the number of domestic passengers also saw a slight increase of 1.1 per cent, rising to 167.4 million. If considering total air travel, it increased by 2.7 per cent to 246.1 million in financial year 2025-26, compared to 239.7 million in the previous year.

In the domestic travel market, IndiGo holds the largest position with a 63 per cent share, followed by Air India with 13.6 per cent and Air India Express with a 6.3 per cent share.

DGCA data also provided information regarding accidents. In calendar year 2025, a total of 11 aircraft accidents occurred, which is more than the 6 accidents that took place in the year 2024. Out of these 11 accidents, one accident was associated with a scheduled airline, five accidents were with non-scheduled operators, and the remaining five accidents were linked to flying training institutes. However, the number of serious incidents decreased from nine in 2024 to six in 2025. Out of these six serious incidents, three were associated with scheduled operators and three with foreign operators.

A major surge was also observed in cargo traffic. Domestic cargo carried by scheduled airlines increased by 24 per cent, rising from 7.89 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25 to 9.78 lakh metric tonnes in financial year 26. International cargo traffic increased by 20.6 per cent, rising from the previous year's 17.66 lakh tonnes to 21.3 lakh tonnes. These international cargo figures include only freight.

Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK), indicating travel demand, increased by 2.4 per cent to 164.3 billion, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), indicating airline capacity, increased by 3.8 per cent to 192.9 billion.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) acted as the regulatory body for India's civil aviation sector.