India has seen tremendous growth in its aviation industry over the past decade. With rising incomes and a burgeoning middle class, more and more Indians are opting to fly rather than travel long distances by train or bus. This has led to an explosion in the number of airlines operating domestic flights within India. The airline industry has also seen massive consolidation, with many mergers and acquisitions. This article looks at the 8 best domestic airlines in India as we enter 2023. It provides an overview of each airline along with its key strengths and advantages.
The Indian domestic aviation market is expected to become the third largest in the world over the next 10 to 15 years. With around 39 airlines operating in the country, there is intense competition amongst carriers. Local airlines have consistently offered very low fares, making air travel affordable for a huge consumer base. However, flight delays and cancellations have been a perennial problem plaguing the industry. The entry of new airlines and addition of capacity has made the market hyper-competitive. Despite these challenges, the competitiveness of Indian domestic airlines and rising demand from tier 2 and 3 cities is driving growth in the sector.
What are the criteria for choosing the best domestic airlines in India?
When choosing the 8 best domestic airlines in India for 2023, key factors taken into consideration include:
- Number of destinations served within India
- Fleet size and aircraft types
- On-time performance and cancellation rates
- Passenger reviews and satisfaction levels
- Premium cabin offerings
- Baggage allowance and cabin baggage
- Food and beverages offered on board
- Frequent flyer programs and partnerships
- Ticket prices and overall value proposition
Airlines excelling across these parameters find a spot in this list of the top 8 carriers flying domestic routes in India. Both full-service legacy airlines and low-cost carriers have been considered.
1. Air India
Air India is India’s national carrier and the country's largest airline by passengers carried. Founded as Tata Airlines in 1932, it was later nationalized to become India's flag carrier. The airline is headquartered in New Delhi and has its main hub at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Air India has a fleet of around 128 aircraft, including wide-body long haul planes like the Boeing 777 and 787. It flies to a total of 102 destinations, including 27 domestic and 39 international cities.
Air India manages to retain its spot as the number one airline in India by passengers carried. It has advantages like a wide domestic and international network, connectivity to tier 2 cities, codeshare partnerships, premium economy seating, above-average legroom in economy and included checked baggage allowance. The Maharaja continues his legacy as one of the finest full-service airlines in the country today.
2. IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s largest and most popular low-cost carrier. An Indian company, it began operations in 2006 with its base in Gurgaon. IndiGo has expanded rapidly in a little over 10 years to capture nearly 40% share of the domestic market. It operates a uniform fleet of narrow-body Airbus A320 family jets. With around 630 daily flights, it connects 67 domestic destinations and 24 international cities.
IndiGo manages to sustain its position as the second largest airline in India through consistent service, affordable fares, high frequency of flights and good on-time performance. The no-frills carrier is slowly adding new routes and improving connectivity. It offers a loyalty program, extra legroom seats and fast-track security access to compete with full-service rivals. The brand catches your attention with its one-of-a-kind blue livery and quirky advertising.
3. SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a popular low-cost airline in India, headquartered in Gurgaon near New Delhi. It began operations in 2005 and has emerged as the country’s second largest budget carrier after IndiGo. SpiceJet operates a fleet of Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft to domestic and international destinations. It has an extensive network within India, serving 58 cities. SpiceJet also operates long haul low-cost flights to a few countries using its Boeing 737 MAX 8.
The airline manages to attract passengers through promotional fares, high frequency on busy routes and connectivity to tier 2/3 cities across India. SpiceJet allows a complimentary 15 kg check-in baggage allowance on domestic flights. It also gives the option to purchase SpiceMAX seats with extra legroom. The airline’s loyalty program, SpiceClub and tie-ups with popular brands help drive bookings.
4. Vistara
Vistara is a full-service carrier and a joint venture between Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons. It commenced operations in 2015 and has its hub at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Vistara has a fleet of over 50 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including A320neos, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737-800NGs. It serves 35 domestic destinations and 10 international cities like Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore.
Vistara focuses on delivering a premium flying experience to Indian travelers at reasonable fares. It offers a three-class cabin configuration, free meals/beverages, enhanced legroom and personalized service. The airline has a competitive edge with its new planes, premium economy cabins and service quality. Vistara could soon start long haul international flights with its recently acquired Dreamliners.
5. AirAsia India
AirAsia India is one of the newest airlines in the country, commencing operations in 2014. It is an Indian joint venture between AirAsia Berhad and Tata Sons. Headquartered in Bangalore, AirAsia India has its main base at Kempegowda International Airport. It operates a fleet of 28 Airbus A320 aircraft on over 200 daily flights. The airline connects 21 domestic destinations in India.
AirAsia manages to differentiate itself through its unique brand identity and trendy marketing campaigns. The airline offers affordable fares, reliability, good quality service and a modern fleet. AirAsia allows 15 kg checked baggage, premium flatbed seats and in-flight meals/refreshments for purchase. Its bold red livery makes a style statement on the Indian aviation scene dominated by blue and white liveries.
6. Alliance Air
Alliance Air is a regional airline and domestic arm of Air India. It operates flights to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, providing vital air connectivity and links to remote areas. Alliance Air commenced operations in 1996. It operates a fleet of 18 ATR 72 and Air India Regional CRJ 700 aircraft. The airline flies to 52 domestic destinations, including regional towns and religious pilgrimage centers.
Alliance Air retains its stronghold in India's regional aviation market due to its exclusive focus on connecting smaller cities. It leverages Air India's network to offer connections from regional centers to metro airports. The carrier provides accessibility to leisure and holy destinations not served by major airlines. It also operates subsidized routes for the promotion of air travel in India.
7. Go First
Previously known as GoAir, Go First is a popular Indian low-cost carrier based out of Mumbai. It commenced operations in 2005 and stands as the fifth largest airline in India by passengers carried. Go First operates flights across a network of 28 domestic destinations and 5 international cities. It runs over 325 daily flights with its fleet of 56 Airbus A320 and A320neo aircraft.
Go First manages to sustain its position through low fares, high frequency services on metro routes and reliable operations. The airline offers a loyalty program, extra legroom seats and fast-track services for a fee. It provides free meals on all flights along with competitive baggage allowance and cabin baggage limits. Go First catches your attention with its bold blue and orange visual branding.
8. Star Air
Star Air is India’s newest scheduled commercial airline, commencing operations in 2019. It is headquartered in Bangalore and focuses on serving regional routes. Star Air operates a fleet of 5 Embraer ERJ 145 jets to 12 domestic destinations with over 50 daily flights. It specializes in connecting tier 2 and 3 cities within South and West India.
Star Air differentiates itself by exclusively operating a fleet of advanced 50-seater regional jets. It provides enhanced comfort, legroom, speed and reliability compared to turboprops flying similar routes. The airline offers complimentary meals and beverages on board along with 20 kg free checked-in baggage allowance. Star Air provides value and connectivity on underserved regional routes in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the 8 best domestic airlines in India in 2023?
A: The 8 best domestic airlines in India in 2023 are Air India Express, Indigo Airlines, Vistara, SpiceJet, GoAir, AirAsia India, Air India, and Jet Airways.
Q: Which is the best airline in India?
A: The best airline in India is subjective and can vary depending on the criteria used to evaluate them. However, some of the top airlines in India known for their quality service and customer satisfaction are Air India Express, Indigo Airlines, Vistara, and Air India.
Q: What is the significance of 2023 in relation to Indian airlines?
A: The significance of 2023 in relation to Indian airlines is that it represents the current year and the focus is on identifying the best domestic airlines operating in India.
Q: Is Air India Express one of the top airlines in India during 2023?
A: Yes, Air India Express is one of the top airlines in India during 2023. It is a subsidiary of Air India and is known for offering affordable fares and a wide range of domestic flight destinations.
Q: Which are the top airlines in India?
A: The top airlines in India include Air India Express, Indigo Airlines, Vistara, SpiceJet, GoAir, AirAsia India, Air India, and Jet Airways.
Q: What are the 8 best airlines in India?
A: The 8 best airlines in India are Air India Express, Indigo Airlines, Vistara, SpiceJet, GoAir, AirAsia India, Air India, and Jet Airways.
Q: Is Indigo Airlines a budget airline?
A: Yes, Indigo Airlines is a budget airline known for its affordable fares and extensive domestic flight network.
Q: What is the difference between a full-service airline and a budget airline?
A: A full-service airline offers a range of amenities and services included in the ticket price, such as in-flight meals, entertainment, and baggage allowance. On the other hand, a budget airline offers low-cost fares but charges separately for additional services like meals and baggage.
Q: Is Air India Express a subsidiary of Air India?
A: Yes, Air India Express is a subsidiary of Air India. It operates as a low-cost carrier in India and offers domestic flight services.
Q: Which airlines are operating in India?
A: Several airlines are operating in India, including Air India Express, Indigo Airlines, Vistara, SpiceJet, GoAir, AirAsia India, Air India, and Jet Airways. These airlines cater to domestic and international travel.
Key Takeaways: Best Domestic Airlines in India
- Air India leads full-service carriers with its wide network and international ops
- IndiGo is the largest and most popular budget airline brand
- SpiceJet, Go First and AirAsia India compete as LCCs with aggressive fares
- Vistara introduces premium economy and 3-class cabins on domestic routes
- Alliance Air connects small towns and remote regions as Air India’s regional arm
- Star Air operates niche regional routes with its Embraer ERJ 145 jet fleet
- Rising incomes and demand makes India's airline industry amongst the fastest growing globally
India's aviation market is expected to continue its rapid growth over the next decade. New airlines and additional capacity will make fares even more affordable with better connectivity. However, infrastructure constraints at airports and airspace along with high jet fuel prices pose challenges. In spite of obstacles, the fortunes of the airline industry seem optimistic fueled by India's growing middle class and economic progress.
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