India’s domestic aviation sector reached a new milestone in May 2026, recording its highest-ever monthly passenger traffic despite global geopolitical uncertainty. According to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and cited by Firstpost, Indian airlines carried 1,53,89,701 passengers during the month, the highest monthly figure recorded so far.
Airlines also operated 1,02,953 domestic flights, setting another record for the largest number of domestic departures in a single month.
Record traffic despite global challenges
The strong performance comes at a time when airlines have been dealing with higher operating costs linked to geopolitical tensions and foreign exchange pressures.
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Compared with May last year, domestic departures increased by 4.5 per cent, while passenger traffic rose by 9.5 per cent. The previous record for domestic flights was set in March 2025, when over one lakh flights operated during the Maha Kumbh travel season. The only other month to cross 1.5 crore domestic passengers was November last year.
The latest figures also come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to voluntarily postpone non-essential foreign travel during heightened tensions in West Asia.
IndiGo leads growth, Akasa records new high
Among Indian airlines, IndiGo accounted for the largest share of additional passengers during the month, carrying nearly 68 per cent of the increase in domestic traffic. The airline finished May with a 64.9 per cent market share, while the Air India Group held 25.6 per cent.
Akasa Air continued its steady expansion, achieving its highest-ever monthly passenger count by crossing the eight lakh mark for the first time. The airline also reported the highest load factor among major domestic carriers at 92.5 per cent.
SpiceJet, however, was the only major airline to record a decline in passenger numbers. Its market share slipped below three per cent to 2.5 per cent.
Domestic demand remains strong
Although the West Asia conflict pushed up global fuel prices, the government capped the increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for domestic operations at 25 per cent. International air travel, meanwhile, slowed, with Indian carriers transporting around 6.5 lakh fewer overseas passengers during the month.
May is traditionally one of India’s busiest travel periods because of summer vacations, contributing to higher domestic demand.
Operationally, IndiGo also led on punctuality, recording an on-time performance of 82.8 per cent across the country’s 10 major airports. SpiceJet ranked last on the parameter, with only 26.5 per cent of its flights operating on schedule.
The latest DGCA figures highlight continued strength in India’s domestic aviation market, even as international travel faced headwinds.
FAQs:
How many domestic passengers flew in India in May 2026?
Indian airlines carried a record 1,53,89,701 domestic passengers in May 2026.
Which airline had the largest domestic market share in May?
IndiGo led the market with a 64.9% share, followed by the Air India Group at 25.6%.
