Record Passenger Surge
International air travel involving India experienced an unprecedented surge, culminating in a record-breaking 2 crore passengers during the October-December
2025 period. This impressive quarterly figure highlights a robust year for Indian aviation, even in the face of various challenges. Overall, for the entirety of 2025, the number of individuals flying internationally to and from India reached 7.8 crore, marking a notable 8% increase compared to the 7.2 crore recorded in 2024. This quarterly achievement also represented a nearly 9% quarter-on-quarter growth, underscoring a dynamic and expanding travel market.
Navigating Travel Hurdles
Despite the impressive growth, several factors presented obstacles to international travel from India. The United States, a popular destination, saw a slowdown in visa processing for various categories, including students and H-1B visa applicants, particularly during a period of stricter immigration policies. Similarly, Canada also experienced elevated visa rejection rates and extended processing times for Indian applicants, impacting travel to that nation. Compounding these issues was a significant reduction in Air India's widebody capacity by 15% following a tragic Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in June 2025, which unfortunately resulted in substantial loss of life and consequently altered market dynamics among Indian carriers.
Shifting Carrier Dominance
The impact of Air India's capacity reduction led to a notable shift in market leadership on international routes. From the July-September 2025 quarter onwards, IndiGo surpassed the Air India group to become the largest Indian carrier for international travel. This development marked a significant change from previous years, during which the Air India group had maintained the top position since the previous collapse of another major airline. Despite these changes among domestic players, foreign carriers continued to hold a substantial 54% share of the international passenger market, a figure that has remained relatively stable. This stability is partly attributed to India's approach of not granting additional flying rights to most countries whose airlines operate extensively within the Indian market.
Unrealized Travel Potential
While international travel is on the rise, there remains a vast untapped potential within India. Reports indicate that approximately 1.5 crore passports were issued in the past year alone, yet a significantly smaller portion, estimated between 33 to 35 lakh passport holders, actually undertook international travel. This suggests a substantial segment of the population harbors aspirations for global travel but has yet to actualize them. Industry experts believe that broadening access to visa-on-arrival facilities and the continued expansion of India's growing middle class are key drivers that will fuel sustained growth in international air traffic in the future.
Top Global Destinations
The majority of international air traffic originating from India, accounting for over 70%, is channeled through five major metropolitan hubs. Destinations situated within South and Southeast Asia have been particularly vibrant, attracting a significant number of Indian travelers. Countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand are consistently recognized for drawing large numbers of foreign visitors, including many Indians who are noted for their spending habits. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as a critical hub, serving as the origin or destination for nearly a third of all international passengers. Following the UAE, Thailand and Saudi Arabia stand out as the next most significant travel corridors for Indian flyers. Other notable connecting points and popular destinations include the United Kingdom, Singapore, Qatar, Malaysia, and Oman, underscoring the diverse geographical spread of India's international travel patterns.
