Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Indian Airlines Recover International Traffic, Crossing 25 Lakh Passengers
Indian airlines carried more than 25 lakh international passengers in July.
This was the first time they crossed that mark since February.
Flights had fallen earlier because fighting and restrictions affected air routes in West Asia.
Airlines had to take longer paths and change their schedules.
Passenger numbers reached their lowest point in April.
They then rose in May, June, and July.
Experts say many people still wanted to travel abroad.
Airlines such as IndiGo and the Air India group added capacity and changed routes to meet demand.
Indian airlines carried about 25.59 lakh international passengers in July, surpassing 25 lakh for the first time since February.
Domestic carriers operated 15,949 international departures in July, according to Directorate General of Civil Aviation data.
International traffic had fallen sharply after West Asia disruptions, reaching a low of 18.24 lakh passengers in April.
Passenger volumes improved from 22.58 lakh in May to 23.32 lakh in June before July’s recovery.
July traffic remained 24% below January’s 33.97 lakh passengers as airlines used rerouted paths and added capacity.
- Who
- Indian airlines, with IndiGo and the Air India group specifically mentioned, carried the passengers.
- What
- International passenger traffic recovered to about 25.59 lakh passengers in July.
- When
- In July, after declines from February through April and increases in May and June.
- Where
- On international routes operated by Indian carriers, affected by airspace disruptions across West Asia and the Middle East.
- Why
- Airlines adjusted schedules, used safer alternative routes, and deployed additional capacity amid continued demand for international travel.
- July passengers
- About 25.59 lakh international passengers carried by Indian airlines.
- July departures
- 15,949 international departures operated by Indian carriers.
- January comparison
- July traffic was 24% below January’s 33.97 lakh passengers.
- Lowest monthly level
- April recorded 18.24 lakh passengers across 11,508 departures.
- May traffic
- 22.58 lakh passengers across 13,995 departures.
- June traffic
- 23.32 lakh passengers across 14,662 departures.
- Forecast
- ICRA projected overall air passenger traffic growth of 1% to 3% in financial year 2026-27.