India Reports 5,706 Flight Cancellations in H1 2025; Passenger Traffic Still Up

According to data shared by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in the Rajya Sabha, around 5,706 flights were cancelled in India till June 30, 2025.

These cancellations, caused by regulatory and geopolitical issues, accounted for about 1% of the total 5,72,079 departures during the same period. The affected carriers include Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air.

Cost Burden on Airlines

Mohol highlighted that flight delays and cancellations add significant operational costs to airlines. These include extra fuel, crew overtime, maintenance, airport fees, and passenger rebooking expenses. Moreover, airlines are legally required to provide refunds or compensation in case of cancellations or prolonged delays, further increasing their financial burden.

Rise in Passenger Traffic

Despite cancellations, domestic passenger traffic grew by 7.34% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This growth reflects strong demand in India’s aviation sector, driven by increasing connectivity and affordable air travel options.

Air India’s International Operations

In a separate update, Mohol informed that Air India launched 24 international routes since July 2023. However, 4 of these routes were later suspended due to commercial viability issues. Notably, the Goa–London (Gatwick) service, which was temporarily suspended, is expected to resume in Winter 2025.

Also Read: IndiGo Likely to Introduce In-Flight Wi-Fi for Business Class Passengers Soon!

Conclusion

While cancellations due to regulatory and geopolitical issues pose challenges for airlines, India’s aviation sector continues to expand steadily, with growing passenger numbers and new international routes. Strategic adjustments by airlines like Air India suggest a focus on optimising operations while meeting rising travel demand.

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