BENGALURU- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI), has long been a key player in the country’s aviation sector. The airline has been providing seamless connectivity across major cities. While the airline has been continuing to expand its international presence, its domestic network remains a critical lifeline for business travelers, tourists, and those visiting families.
Air India operates a network with wide range of destinations in India as well as across the globe. As of March 2025, the airline has a total of 88 destinations. Of the total 88 destinations, 45 are domestic destinations and 43 are international destinations. Air India offers flights to 31 countries as of March 2025.
Air India has a very strong fleet and has a growing emphasis on efficiency and service. The airline operates several high-frequency routes across India. Air India operates about 114 daily one-way flights on its 10 largest domestic sectors in India.
Photo: EurospotAir India’s 10 busiest domestic routes
Here’s a look at its top 10 busiest domestic routes, ranked by passenger numbers and flight operations.
1. Mumbai – New Delhi
As most would have already known, the number 1 sector is the Mumbai – New Delhi sector. The Mumbai – New Delhi route is the busiest in India as it links the country’s financial capital with the country’s Capital city.
Air India operates a whopping 27 flights a day one-way. The number goes up to 28 flights a day on few days of the week. Air India holds the largest market share in this sector. At the same time, IndiGo, the largest competitor of Air India, operates 20 flights a day one way.
This corridor sees a heavy influx of corporate travelers, policymakers, and diplomats, making it a high-demand sector for Air India. With multiple daily flights and ex-Vistara aircraft, the airline ensures a smooth experience for those shuttling between these two key cities.
2. Bengaluru – New Delhi
This route serves as a crucial link between India’s IT powerhouse, Bengaluru, and the national capital, New Delhi. Air India operates 16 daily flights in the sector.
On some days of the week, the airline even operates 18 one-way flights a day. Again, Air India has the largest market share in this sector as well, leaving IndiGo behind in terms of frequencies. IndiGo, at the same time, operates 15 daily flights one way.
The influx of professionals, entrepreneurs, and business executives keeps this sector buzzing. With a flight duration of approximately 2.5 hours, Air India caters to this high-demand route with frequent flights and well-timed schedules.
3. Hyderabad – New Delhi
Hyderabad’s growing prominence as a tech and pharmaceutical hub makes its connection with New Delhi vital. Air India operates 12 daily flights in this sector, facilitating smooth travel for corporate professionals, government officials, and leisure passengers alike.
On this route, it is draw between IndiGo and Air India. Both of the airlines operate 12 daily flights each way.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh Tekriwal4. Mumbai – Bengaluru
The Mumbai – Bengaluru route is one of India’s most heavily traveled, connecting the financial heart of the country with its thriving technology sector. Air India flies 11 times a day one-way in this sector.
With a flight time of just 90 minutes, this sector sees a mix of business travelers, entrepreneurs, and professionals hopping between meetings and conferences.
5. New Delhi – Kolkata
This route is a significant one, carrying a blend of business travelers, tourists, and families. Kolkata, known for its cultural heritage and commercial importance, remains a key destination. Air India operates 11 daily one-way flights in the Delhi – Kolkata sector.
The demand for flights surges during festive seasons, especially during Durga Puja, when the city welcomes thousands of visitors.
6. New Delhi – Chennai
The Delhi-Chennai route is a vital link between North and South India, serving corporate professionals, government officials, and students. Air India flies 10 times daily each way in this sector.
With a flight duration of around 2.5 hours, Air India ensures reliable service and comfortable journeys for its passengers.
7. New Delhi – Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, one of India’s fastest-growing business cities, has a strong travel demand to and from the capital. Air India operates 10 daily one-way flights to Ahmedabad from Delhi.
This route is dominated by business travelers, traders, and policymakers. This is a reason why it always is one of the high-priority sectors for Air India’s domestic network.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanes8. Mumbai – Hyderabad
Mumbai’s financial might and Hyderabad’s growing IT and pharmaceutical industries make this route a key one. Air India operates 9 daily flights each way in this sector.
With a short flight time of 90 minutes, this sector remains a preferred choice for professionals and entrepreneurs looking for quick and efficient travel.
9. New Delhi – Pune
Pune has emerged as a thriving IT and education hub, making its connection with Delhi essential. Business professionals, students, and frequent flyers rely on Air India’s 8 daily flights. With this, the airline continues to maintain smooth connectivity between these two dynamic cities.
10. Amritsar – New Delhi
Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, remains a popular domestic destination. Air India operates a whopping 8 daily flights in this short 65–70-minute route.
This route is heavily traveled by pilgrims, tourists, and business commuters, making it one of the most important sectors for Air India’s domestic operations.
Photo: By aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0Bottom Line
Air India’s top domestic routes show the airline’s strong presence in connecting India’s business, cultural, and technology hubs. Air India has done a fantastic job by keeping the largest market share on several routes competing with IndiGo.
The golden triangular routes, Mumbai-Delhi, Delhi-Bengaluru, and Mumbai-Bengaluru corridors, continue to be the most traveled. However, other cities like Hyderabad and Pune are growing in importance.
With its expanding fleet, customer-centric approach, and focus on on-time performance, Air India remains a preferred choice for millions of domestic travelers.
As new infrastructure developments, such as the upcoming Jewar Airport near Delhi, take shape, Air India’s domestic footprint is expected to evolve further, reinforcing its role in keeping India connected.
If the rumors are to be believed, Air India is on the verge of placing an order for another set of airplanes. Furthermore, IndiGo is also expected to announce the order of more aircraft in the coming months.
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IndiGo Airlines Top 10 Busiest Domestic Routes in 2025
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