Air India and IndiGo are dominating the Indian domestic aviation sector, which is worrying since there are few options and ticket prices are increasing. The choices for passengers have significantly reduced due to the shutdown of Go First and the financial struggles of SpiceJet. Consequently, a duopoly has emerged, making domestic emergency travel harder and more expensive.
How IndiGo And Air India Dominate The Market
Don’t think Indian domestic passengers have many options left now. Apart from Air India (or Air India Express), there’s Indigo, Akasa & SpiceJet. And when it comes to exploring route timings & options, only Indigo matches Air India. Yesterday, there were no direct flights from… https://t.co/TV79DOekz5
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) February 22, 2025
The lack of choice for the passengers is a clear sign of Air India and IndiGo’s duopoly. There are only SpiceJet and Akasa Air, though their coverage is not as extensive as these two big airlines.
For example, on a recent evening after 6 PM, there were no direct flights between Mumbai and Delhi. Four flights were subsequently introduced on the route by Air India; however, each of them was at least ₹25,000 for a one-way ticket. This reflects the price power that is enjoyed by airlines today due to decreased competition.
The small number of players in the market has led to a reduction in available flights and their prices, especially for last-minute travellers. As much as IndiGo competes with Air India in terms of route coverage, the lack of other players has left travellers with limited options.
The Impact Of Costly Travel On Emergencies
For most of the passengers, especially those requiring to travel under urgent circumstances, the current situation is far from ideal. Price deregulation translates into the freedom to hike prices in line with demand, so last-minute travelling is beyond the means of many.
Business travel, medical needs, and family obligations often demand last-minute travelling arrangements, but outrageous ticket costs are a serious impediment. Domestic air travel in India could remain challenging for consumers until new players enter the market or the government enacts policies to stop price increases.
What’s In Store For Indian Aviation?
There should be greater competition to make the Indian domestic aviation market more consumer-friendly. Although new players such as Akasa Air are increasing their network, it would take them a while to catch up with IndiGo and Air India in terms of size.
Passengers’ burden could be lightened by enhancing price transparency, bringing in new players, and enhancing regulatory monitoring of airfare swings.
Also Read: Air India And Lufthansa Group Unlock 60 New Routes, Here’s All About It
Will Indian carriers be able to balance passenger affordability and profitability? Only time will tell.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons & @Gurkirat Singh Gill/X
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: February 24, 2025 12:34 PM