India’s domestic aviation sector continued its upward trajectory in April 2025, as passenger traffic rose by 10.2% year-on-year, as per a report by ratings agency ICRA. An estimated 145.5 lakh passengers flew within the country during the month, up from 132 lakh in April 2024. However, the numbers remained largely unchanged from March 2025, signalling a flat monthly growth.Airline capacity also saw an annual increase of 6.9% in April, though it dipped 4.2% from March, suggesting a modest slowdown in available seat supply.“For April 2025, domestic air passenger traffic was estimated at 145.5 lakh, 10.2% higher than 132.0 lakh in April 2024,” ICRA noted in the report, quoted by ANI.The data further showed that the total number of domestic passengers for the full financial year 2024-25 stood at approximately 1,653.8 lakh, marking a 7.6% rise over FY24. The figure was also 16.8% above the pre-Covid levels recorded in FY20 when domestic traffic was about 1,415.6 lakh.International travel also rebounded strongly, with Indian carriers flying 338.6 lakh passengers overseas in FY25, a 14.1% year-on-year jump and a remarkable 49.4% increase over pre-pandemic levels.Looking ahead, ICRA has retained a “stable” outlook for the Indian aviation industry. The forecast is underpinned by expectations of moderate growth in domestic travel and a steady cost environment in FY2026. Airlines are also expected to maintain their pricing power and stable yields, similar to trends observed during FY25.Despite capacity fluctuations and other operational challenges, domestic air traffic is projected to grow by 7–10% in the coming financial year, sustaining the sector’s current momentum.
