IndiGo just edged out Air India for international flyers
For the first time ever, IndiGo has flown more international passengers than the Air India group (Air India plus Air India Express).
Between July and September 2025, IndiGo carried 41.36 lakh people on overseas routes—just topping the Air India group's 41 lakh.
This shift comes after some tough months for Air India, including a major crash that affected its flights and passenger confidence.
What caused the shake-up?
Air India's numbers took a hit after a tragic plane crash in June killed all 260 on board, leading to fewer international flights and making travelers hesitant.
Even so, the Air India group (Air India and Air India Express) still managed over four million international passengers last quarter.
IndiGo's smart moves kept it ahead
While disruptions hit both airlines in December, IndiGo cut only a tiny fraction of its international flights but slashed nearly a quarter of domestic ones—clearly prioritizing global routes.
Regulators are now looking into this difference as they keep an eye on big carriers.
Why does this matter?
IndiGo has been growing fast since Jet Airways shut down in 2019, but overtaking the Air India group (Air India and Air India Express) internationally is a big milestone.
It shows how quick decisions—and unexpected events—can totally shift who leads the skies in Indian aviation.