As one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, India continues to strengthen its position as the third-largest domestic aviation market. With a rapid rise in operational airports -- from 74 in 2014 to 163 in 2025 -- the country is poised for even greater accessibility and connectivity.
In total, 26,495 weekly departures are set for the Winter 2025 schedule, a noticeable jump from the 25,610 departures that were scheduled for Summer 2025. While the total number of departures is increasing, the number of airports has slightly decreased, from 129 in the summer schedule to 126 for the winter season. Despite fewer airports, the inclusion of the four new airports marks a critical step in India's aviation expansion.
The largest domestic carrier, IndiGo, will be handling the most departures, accounting for 15,014 weekly flights. Following IndiGo, Air India will manage 4,277 departures, and AI Express will handle 3,171. These airlines are expected to help meet the increased demand for travel within the country as the aviation network grows.
The winter schedule marks the introduction of New Amravati, Hissar, Purnia, and Rupsi airports to the network. These new additions are expected to ease travel for passengers in under-served regions. As air travel becomes more accessible across the country, the expansion of these airports plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, boosting local economies, and reducing travel time between major cities.
However, not all airports are keeping their flights. Some lesser-utilized airports such as Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong, and Shravasti will see operations suspended for the winter period. This move is likely aimed at optimizing resources for more viable routes, as demand shifts to other regions.
India's aviation industry has shown impressive growth over the past decade. With increasing numbers of passengers and more choices of airlines and routes, India's market has steadily climbed to become the third-largest in the world. The increase in departures for Winter 2025 will further solidify India's status as a global aviation powerhouse, with many new opportunities for travelers across the country.
India's civil aviation sector is expected to continue expanding, with significant investments in infrastructure and airport development. As air traffic increases and demand grows, the country is likely to witness even more airport additions and operational expansions in the coming years. As such, travelers can expect a growing number of domestic flights to both well-known and emerging destinations.
Moreover, this increase in air travel capacity will likely have positive effects on tourism and regional development. With improved connectivity, tourists from both within India and abroad will be able to access more destinations, making it easier to explore the country's diverse landscapes, culture, and history. These changes signal a brighter future for travelers and the economy as a whole.
India's aviation market is rapidly expanding, with Winter 2025 offering more flight options and new airports to increase domestic connectivity. These changes not only cater to the growing demand for air travel but also help support regional economies and tourism. The continued focus on increasing weekly departures and ensuring that more people have access to flights across the country indicates a positive trajectory for India's aviation industry. Whether you are a business traveler or a tourist, the new winter schedule offers plenty of opportunities to plan your next trip.