Category Archives: Aviation

IndiGo has announced new domestic routes, establishing direct flight connections between Bhubaneswar and Dehradun, and Dehradun and Srinagar, effective 6 February, 2025. These additions to IndiGo’s network will improve connectivity and offer passengers a wider range of travel choices.

According to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, Indian airlines have seen a significant influx of new aircraft in 2024, with 97 deliveries already completed and 10 more expected. Alternatively, Cirium’s data suggests a slight decrease in 2025, with 86 new aircraft projected.

With passenger traffic steadily increasing at Indian airports, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has significantly expanded aviation infrastructure and connectivity to meet the rising demand. Compared to the previous year, AAI has seen substantial growth, with a 6.7 per cent increase in aircraft movements and a 15 per cent jump in passenger numbers.

As airports embrace digital innovation, India positions itself to lead the world with its vision of a fully biometric-enabled and contactless airport experience. The Indian government and aviation authorities are keen on developing a robust framework for biometric systems that aligns with global practices. India is poised to lead the charge with the upcoming implementation of facial authentication technology for international air travel, scheduled for a pilot project in June 2025, said Siddharth Sharma, Head- IT Operations, Digi Yatra.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s commercial airlines flew 1.42 crore passengers on domestic routes in November this year, representing a robust 12% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. IndiGo maintained its position as the market leader with a 63.6% share of air traffic, followed by Air India 24.4%, Akasa Air 4.7% and SpiceJet 3.1%.

As per the latest statistics from ForwardKeys, India’s urban air travel market is experiencing a strong recovery, reflecting the evolving dynamics and opportunities across various regions. As the market continues to rebound, total seat capacity in 2024 is expected to reach 45.7 million, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023 and a 15% growth from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Sharing a broad strategy for next year, Anoop Tewari, Business & Commercial Strategy (Aviation and Travel Technology), ITQ, says “We are looking big, going by the tide and seeing the direction we are heading to invest as ITQ. Of course, Travelport is also investing a lot on technology as ITQ will be implementing a lot on tech solutions for travel agents to make their life easy, focusing on content, focusing on forward integration of solutions which help them handle their customers well and also help them scale up their business, make them bigger.”

The number of Indians wanting to fly business class has seen a sharp uptick this holiday season compared to last year. While the trend is more pronounced in international travel, travel agents and online platforms suggest that it is also emerging on many domestic routes. Data shared by MakeMyTrip showed that business class bookings from India across domestic as well as international routes have gone up by 50% this year compared to the same period last year. This is based on the analysis of search and booking data between December 16 and 31. For international bookings, there has been an 80% rise in business class bookings, and for domestic bookings, the jump is 27%.

Hoi, an innovative travel-tech platform revolutionising airport experiences for modern travellers, announced significant enhancements to its comprehensive airport services suite, setting new benchmarks in travel experience. The platform’s sophisticated integration with airport infrastructure systems enables unprecedented accuracy in real-time flight information delivery, transforming traditional airport processes into seamless digital experiences. Hoi has transformed the airport experience across major Indian airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and New Goa (GOX) through its comprehensive platform. At the heart of Hoi’s innovation is its flagship ‘Time to Gate’ feature, which leverages advanced data analytics to guide travellers through optimal routes and shortest queues. Through direct integration with Airport Flight Status Display Systems and AODB, the platform delivers instant updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and scheduling modifications, ensuring travellers remain informed at every step of their journey. The platform’s 24/7 AI-powered Info Desk serves as a digital concierge, providing instant assistance for all airport-related queries, from baggage claims to facility updates. Hoi’s premium services suite includes VIP meet and greet assistance, priority check-in, porter services, and comprehensive lounge access across terminals, catering to diverse traveller preferences from business executives to families requiring specialised assistance. Commenting on the platform, Harshvardhan Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Hoi said, “The post-pandemic era has fundamentally transformed travel preferences, with passengers now demanding seamless digital experiences at airports. As India’s airports witness record passenger volumes and a growing preference for premium services, Hoi has evolved beyond flight information to become an integrated airport solution. Our platform unifies critical stakeholders – from airlines to retail partners – while delivering personalised services that modern travellers expect, from real-time navigation to premium concierge assistance. Through continuous innovation, we’re setting new benchmarks in how travellers experience airports, …

Willie Walsh, Director General, International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed confidence that India would ease bilateral flying rights, especially as Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo broadened their fleets with wide-body aircraft. He underlined the benefits of such agreements, highlighting that an increase in the rights will enable Indian airlines to offer more direct international connections.