Air India vs Indigo – Which Flight is Best in India?

Posted on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 by Chakshu Kaur Leave a Comment

Choosing the right airline can be difficult sometimes because there are so many options available, but in India, travellers mostly confuse Air India vs Indigo and want to know which flight is best in India. As we know, both airlines have their strengths depending on what you value comfort, pricing, or route.

Here’s a quick snapshot to help you compare Air India vs Indigo:

Feature	Indigo Airlines	Air India
Airline Code	6E	AI
Fleet Size	437 Aircraft	205 Aircraft
Market Share	65% (Approx)	26.70% (Approx)
Domestic Destinations	90+	45+
International Destinations	40+	40+

In this guide, we’ll compare Air India vs Indigo across network coverage, fleet, pricing, service, and more.

Pricing & Ticket Flexibility: Air India vs Indigo

When it comes to pricing Indigo Airlines, a low-cost carrier, offers cheaper base fares but extras like meals, seat selection and baggage come at an additional cost. If you’re looking for the most affordable option for domestic travel, Indigo’s cheap flights often work out cheaper.

Air India, on the other hand, follows a full-service model. The ticket price includes meals, Air India’s baggage allowance, and sometimes even in-flight entertainment. 

When it comes to flexibility, Indigo charges extra for rescheduling or cancellations, and the refund process can feel strict. Air India tends to provide slightly more flexible options, especially on international routes, though penalties still apply.

Flight Network & Coverage: Air India vs Indigo

When choosing between Air India vs Indigo, knowing their network reach is important.

Indigo Airlines

• Covers 90+ domestic destinations and 40+ international destinations.
• Focuses on metro city hubs like flights to Delhi, flights to Mumbai, flights to Bangalore, flights to Chennai, and flights to Hyderabad.
• Offers frequent daily flights, making it convenient for short domestic trips and flexible schedules.

Air India

• Operates over 45+ domestic destinations and 40+international destinations, with a strong focus on the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
• Uses both metro and regional hubs, including flights to Kochi, flights to Trivandrum, and flights to Hyderabad.
• Flight frequency is moderate, but international routes provide direct long-haul connectivity.

Financials & Stability (2025): Air India vs Indigo

When comparing Air India vs Indigo in 2025, the financial gap between the two is huge.

According to IndiGo’s official Q1 FY25 report, the airline posted a net profit of ₹2,731.9 crore in just the first quarter, with revenues crossing ₹20,250 crore. This gave IndiGo a healthy net profit margin of 13.9%, proving its ability to manage costs even with high fuel prices. For the full FY25, IndiGo recorded a profit before tax of ₹7,587.5 crore, as reported by NDTV.

On the other hand, Air India is still in its recovery phase under Tata Group ownership. As per NDTV, Air India and Air India Express together reported a combined pre-tax loss of ₹9,568.4 crore in FY25. Breaking it down:

• Air India Ltd. reported a loss of ₹3,890.2 crore.
• Air India Express faced a loss of ₹5,678.2 crore, despite earlier being more stable.

Still, revenue growth is visible. Air India’s total revenue in FY25 jumped 15% year-on-year to ₹78,636 crore, boosted by the merger with Vistara and increased international operations.

When it comes to debt levels:

• Air India’s debt stood at ₹26,879.6 crore in FY25.
• Indigo’s debt was higher at ₹67,088.4 crore, but its strong profitability keeps it financially healthier than Air India.

On-Time Performance & Service: Air India vs Indigo

When choosing Air India vs Indigo, reliability and service matter as much as fares. Let’s break down what travelers can expect.

Performance & Service Comparison

Feature	Indigo Airlines	Air India
On-Time Performance	High (domestic focus)	Moderate (long-haul & regional variations)
Baggage Handling	Efficient	Reliable, especially international
Customer Service	Friendly, automated support	Personalized, attentive, legacy experience
Loyalty Program	IndiGo loyalty	Air India Flying Returns

Indigo Airlines

• High on-time performance, consistently among the top in India.
• Efficient baggage handling, especially on domestic routes.
• Customer service is friendly, mostly automated support, but responsive.
• Frequent flyers enjoy loyalty perks through IndiGo loyalty programs.

Air India

• Moderate on-time performance, sometimes affected by older fleet and long-haul schedules.
• Baggage handling generally reliable, with special attention on international flights.
• Customer service is more personalized, especially on international routes.
• Offers loyalty benefits via Air India Flying Returns program.

Fleet & Aircraft Comfort: Air India vs Indigo

The flying experience feels different when you compare Air India vs Indigo.

Indigo Airlines keeps things simple with a single-type fleet, mainly Airbus A320neo planes. This makes your journey consistent across flights. The cabins are basic and economy-only, designed for quick, efficient travel. Seats are compact, and meals or extra comfort options usually come at an added cost.

Air India, on the other hand, has a mixed fleet that includes wide-body aircraft like Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777s for international routes. This means more space, better legroom, and options like Economy, Business, and First Class on long-haul flights. Complimentary meals are included, and some aircraft also offer Wi-Fi, adding to the comfort factor.

Quick Takeaway:

• Indigo Airlines → Best for short trips, consistent experience, and low-cost travel.
• Air India → Best for international journeys, comfort, and added services.

Pros & Cons: Indigo vs Air India

When deciding between Air India vs Indigo, it helps to see their strengths and weaknesses side by side. Here’s a quick snapshot for travelers:

Aspect	Indigo Airlines	Air India
Strengths	Low-cost fares, punctual, large fleet, strong domestic and growing international network	Legacy airline, comfortable flights, complimentary meals, strong international presence, Tata Group support
Weaknesses	Extra charges for meals, limited in-flight amenities, mostly economy seating	Older fleet, slower domestic operations, fewer daily flights compared to Indigo
Opportunities	Expanding international network, adding new aircraft for better efficiency	Merger with Vistara, fleet modernization, improving operational efficiency
Threats	Rising fuel costs, competition from other low-cost carriers	Geo-political uncertainties, competition from low-cost carriers like Indigo

Traveler Tips

• Choose Indigo Airlines if you want budget-friendly, frequent flights with simple services.
• Choose Air India if you value comfort, in-flight meals, and international coverage.
• Both airlines have unique advantages, so your choice depends on travel priorities and route preferences.

Which airline is best in India? Air India vs Indigo

So, when it comes down to air india vs indigo which is better, the answer depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you’re looking for low-cost fares, on-time performance, and easy domestic travel, then Indigo Airlines (airline code: 6E) is the clear winner. It has the largest fleet, widest domestic network, and a strong record of punctuality. For short trips in India, many passengers say Indigo is the best flight option in India.

But if you value comfort, meals included, and long-haul connectivity, then Air India (airline code: AI) comes out on top. With wide-body aircraft, partner airlines, and routes to the US, UK, and Australia, Air India is a good airline for international journeys where extra comfort matters.

Simple Verdict:

• Indigo Airlines → Best for budget, punctuality, and domestic flights.
• Air India → Best for comfort, full service, and international travel.

Ready to Choose Your Next Flight?

Whether you go with Indigo Airlines for budget-friendly domestic trips or Air India for comfortable long-haul journeys, we’re here to help.

👉 Contact Us today and let us find you the cheap tickets to India and beyond.

FAQs

Q1. Air India vs Indigo – which flight is best in India?

A: It depends on your priorities. For budget-friendly domestic travel, Indigo Airlines is great. For comfort and international routes, Air India is better.

Q2. Who is the owner of Indigo Airlines?

A: InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., an Indian private company led by Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal, owns Indigo Airlines.

Q3. Is Air India a good airline?

A: Yes, especially for long-haul international flights. Air India offers comfortable seating, complimentary meals, and reliable service backed by the Tata Group.

Q4. What is the Air India airline code?

A: The Air India airline code is AI.

Q5. What is the Indigo airline code?

A: The Indigo airline code is 6E.

Q6. How do I contact Indigo Airlines?

A: You can reach them via Indigo airlines contact number or book online through their website using Indigo airlines ticket booking and Indigo Airlines web check-in.

Q7. What is Indigo Airlines baggage size and cabin baggage allowance?

A:

• Cabin baggage: 7 kg
• Check-in baggage: Varies by fare type.
This makes Indigo convenient for short domestic trips.

Q8. Can I check-in for Indigo Airlines online?

A: Yes! Indigo airlines web check-in is available 48 hours before departure, making airport processes faster.

Q9. Does Air India partner with other airlines?

A: Yes, Air India partner airlines include international codeshare partners, making it easier to reach more destinations.

Q10. Air India vs Indigo – which is better for international flights?

A: For long-haul international travel, Air India is generally better due to included meals, comfortable seating, and wider network coverage.