India’s International Air Passenger Traffic Rises 6.1% to 78.7 Million in FY26 Despite Geopolitical Disruptions

India’s international air passenger traffic increased 6.1% to 78.7 million in the financial year 2025-26, compared with 74.7 million in the previous fiscal, despite geopolitical conflicts and airspace restrictions that disrupted flight operations, according to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The growth came even as Indian airlines faced operational challenges on west-bound routes, with airspace closures forcing carriers to take longer alternative routes and, in some cases, cancel flights following last-minute Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).

NOTAMs are official alerts issued to inform pilots and other airspace users about temporary changes, hazards or restrictions affecting flight operations.

Indian carriers accounted for 44.4% of international passenger traffic during FY26, while foreign airlines held the remaining 55.6% share. Among individual operators, IndiGo commanded the largest market share at 20.8%, followed by Air India at 12.9%.

Domestic air traffic records modest growth

Domestic passenger traffic also increased during the year, although at a slower pace, rising 1.1% to 167.4 million in FY26 from the previous financial year.

Overall passenger traffic handled by airlines operating in India grew 2.7% to 246.1 million during 2025-26, compared with 239.7 million in FY25.

IndiGo retained its dominant position in the domestic aviation market, accounting for 63% of passenger traffic. Air India followed with a 13.6% share, while Air India Express accounted for 6.3%.

Aircraft accidents increase in 2025

The DGCA data also highlighted an increase in aircraft accidents during calendar year 2025.

A total of 11 aircraft accidents were recorded during the year, compared with six in 2024. Of these, one involved a scheduled airline, five involved non-scheduled operators and the remaining five involved flying training institutes.

However, the number of serious incidents declined from nine in 2024 to six in 2025. Three of the incidents involved scheduled operators, while the other three involved foreign operators.

Cargo traffic posts strong growth

India’s air cargo sector recorded substantial growth in FY26, with both domestic and international freight volumes increasing significantly.

Domestic cargo carried by scheduled airlines rose 24% to 9.78 lakh metric tonnes, compared with 7.89 lakh tonnes in FY25.

International cargo traffic increased 20.6% to 21.3 lakh metric tonnes from 17.66 lakh tonnes in the previous financial year. The international cargo figures include freight only.

Passenger demand and airline capacity expand

The DGCA data further showed that Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK), a key indicator of passenger demand, increased 2.4% to 164.3 billion during FY26.

Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), which measures the passenger-carrying capacity offered by airlines, rose 3.8% to 192.9 billion.

The figures indicate continued expansion in India’s aviation sector, with international passenger traffic and cargo operations recording stronger growth than domestic passenger travel during the financial year.