Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Jumps 10.2% in April 2025: ICRA

Domestic air travel in India continued its upward trend, with passenger traffic rising 10.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in April 2025, according to a recent report by ratings agency ICRA.

The report estimated domestic air passenger traffic at 145.5 lakh in April 2025, up from 132.0 lakh in April 2024. However, the growth remained flat when compared to March 2025.

ICRA observed that airline capacity deployment in April 2025 was 6.9 per cent higher than the same month last year. But it declined 4.2 per cent compared to March 2025, showing a slight drop in available seat capacity.

The agency said, “For April 2025, domestic air passenger traffic was estimated at 145.5 lakh. A 10.2 per cent higher than 132.0 lakh in April 2024.”

For the full financial year 2024–25 (April 2024 to March 2025), domestic air passenger traffic stood at about 1,653.8 lakh. This marked a 7.6 per cent rise over FY24 and was 16.8 per cent above the pre-Covid level of around 1,415.6 lakh in FY20.

The report also highlighted growth in international travel. Indian carriers carried 338.6 lakh passengers in FY25, a strong 14.1 per cent YoY increase.

This figure was also 49 per cent higher than the pre-Covid level of 227.3 lakh, indicating a robust recovery in overseas travel.

ICRA maintained a “stable” outlook for the Indian aviation sector. It cited expectations of moderate growth in domestic air passenger traffic and a stable cost environment in FY26.

The industry also saw steady pricing power and stable yields in FY25 compared to FY24.

Despite some challenges, domestic air traffic is expected to grow 7–10 per cent in FY26, sustaining its positive momentum.

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