India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, driven by rapid capacity expansion, rising passenger demand, and strong growth in low-cost airline operations.

BulletsIn

• India achieved the position of the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market in April 2024, surpassing Brazil and Indonesia in scheduled airline capacity.
• Domestic airline capacity in India reached 15.6 million seats, placing the country behind only the United States and China in the global domestic aviation sector.
• The domestic aviation market measures passenger travel within national borders, with airline capacity calculated through the number of seats available on scheduled flights.
• India ranked fifth in the overall global aviation market in 2024, considering both domestic and international passenger traffic and continued to strengthen its global aviation presence.
• Between 2014 and 2024, India recorded an average annual domestic airline capacity growth rate of 6.9%, reflecting sustained expansion in the sector.
• Low-cost carriers accounted for 78.4% of India’s domestic airline capacity in April 2024, representing the highest share among the world’s five largest domestic aviation markets.
• IndiGo significantly expanded its domestic market presence, increasing its share of airline capacity from 32% in 2014 to 62% in April 2024.
• India’s operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025, while the aviation market is projected to grow from USD 16.24 billion in 2025 to USD 45.59 billion by 2034.