Best Low Cost Airlines in India: Save Up to 60% on Flights

Budget airlines in India have revolutionized the way people travel across the country. These carriers have made air travel available to millions of cost-conscious passengers. IndiGo's control of more than 60% of the local market share shows how these airlines turned domestic travel from a luxury into an everyday convenience.

Smart travelers can save money by choosing the right budget airline in India while getting reliable transportation. SpiceJet stands out with competitive prices and excellent connections to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The market has welcomed newer players like Akasa Air since 2021. Air India Express serves short to medium-distance routes at budget-friendly prices.

This piece dives into India's 12 best budget carriers. You'll learn about IndiGo's excellent on-time performance and Air India Express's unique route network. The right choice of airline can help you cut travel costs by up to 60% on your next flight, whether you're traveling for work or taking a vacation.

Indigo

IndiGo leads India's aviation sector as its largest passenger airline. The airline operates over 2,200 daily flights and serves more than 118 million customers each year. The airline dominates low cost airlines in India with its 400+ aircraft fleet that connects 130+ destinations. Their simple philosophy focuses on affordable fares, on-time flights, and smooth travel experiences.

IndiGo key features

The airline maintains an impressive on-time performance that stays above 85%. IndiGo's fleet ranks as the "World's Youngest Aircraft Fleet" in the 100+ aircraft category, a title it has held for three straight years.

The airline has several services that make travel more convenient:

• Fast Forward lets you get priority check-in and board anytime

• 6E Prime gives you seat selection, a free snack, and Fast Forward service

• You can modify your bookings (fees apply)

• You can pay through multiple options like UPI and NetBanking

  
  

IndiGo pricing

You can choose from several fare types based on your needs:

• Saver Fare: The most affordable option with simple services

• Flexi Fare: You get free seat selection and easy changes

• Super 6E: A premium service with extra legroom, priority benefits, and meals

Domestic flights allow 15kg checked baggage per passenger (one piece only). Extra baggage costs ₹700 per kg at the airport. You can pre-book extra baggage from ₹1,950 for 3kg to ₹19,500 for 30kg. The airline also offers special fares to armed forces, students, senior citizens, and medical professionals.

IndiGo routes and destinations

The airline connects more than 80 domestic destinations throughout India, from major cities to tier-2 towns. Their international network spans 30+ destinations. You can fly directly to places like Istanbul, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Male, and Kuala Lumpur.

Different aircraft serve different routes - ATRs link smaller regions, while A320 CEOs, A320 NEOs, and A321 NEOs connect bigger cities and international destinations. Codeshare partnerships help IndiGo reach European cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

IndiGo best for

Budget-conscious travelers who want reliable domestic flights will find IndiGo ideal. Business travelers value the airline's wide network and frequent flights, which run hourly on some metro routes during peak times.

The airline makes it easy to discover India's cultural, historical, and natural destinations. New flyers appreciate IndiGo's easy booking system and reliable service standards.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet stands as India's fourth largest airline with a 4% market share. The airline has become one of the country's most popular low-cost carriers. The 30-year old company, acquired by entrepreneur Ajay Singh in 2004, operates from its Gurgaon headquarters. The airline's first flight connected Delhi and Mumbai on May 24, 2005.

SpiceJet key features

The airline runs a mixed fleet of Boeing 737s and Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Its "no-frills but high-performance" approach earned it recognition as the best low-fare airline in the HT MaRS study of 2009. SpiceJet maintains the highest load factor among Indian carriers, often reaching 94%. This shows how much budget travelers prefer the airline.

Notable services offered by SpiceJet include:

• SpiceMax: Premium service with pre-assigned seats, extra legroom, and priority privileges

• SpiceCafé: In-flight meals available to purchase, including hot meals, sandwiches, and special dietary options

• Extra Seat option: Additional privacy and up to 10kg extra baggage allowance

• SpicePlus: Priority services with meal and beverage for ₹500

SpiceJet made history as the first Indian low-cost carrier to launch an in-flight entertainment system called SpicEngage. Passengers can access it through their personal devices.

SpiceJet pricing

The airline focuses on making air travel affordable with fares starting at just ₹99 during special promotions. They use a pay-for-what-you-use model. The basic fares don't include meals but come with standard baggage allowance up to 20kg per passenger.

You1st priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery costs ₹595 for domestic and ₹699 for international flights. Passengers can save up to 10% by pre-booking excess baggage compared to airport rates.

SpiceJet routes and destinations

SpiceJet now connects 63 destinations - 53 domestic and 10 international locations. Delhi and Hyderabad serve as the airline's hubs. Hyderabad is the main base for its Bombardier Q400 aircraft fleet.

The airline serves major metros and smaller cities across India. They plan to run 250 daily flights in Winter 2025, double their Summer 2025 schedule of 125 flights. Dubai, Bangkok, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Phuket, and Colombo are among their international destinations.

The airline has a unique advantage on several regional routes like Jalandhar-Jaipur where no other carriers operate.

SpiceJet best for

Price-conscious travelers who want simple comfort at competitive fares choose SpiceJet. The airline leads in connecting remote parts of India and runs the most UDAN (regional connectivity) flights.

Business travelers value SpiceJet's convenient timings and SpiceClub frequent flyer program that offers rewards, added comforts, and exclusive privileges. The airline also attracts vacation travelers with seasonal routes to Rajasthan's tourist spots like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer.

AirAsia India

AirAsia Group and Tata Sons launched their joint venture AirAsia India in 2014, which grew to become a major player in India's budget airline sector. Tata Sons took complete ownership of the airline in December 2022 and renamed it AIX Connect to prepare for its merger with Air India Express.

AirAsia India key features

The airline's modern Airbus A320 fleet combines affordability with reliability and comfort. AirAsia India's user-focused approach includes:

• Flexible booking options and a quick web check-in system

• A mobile app that makes travel management easy

• Extra baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals as optional add-ons

• Hot meals served during flights – AirAsia India's planes have ovens, unlike most no-frills carriers in India

The airline launched "GourmAir" in December 2021 through collaboration with catering partner TajSATS. This premium hot-meal menu gives passengers international-standard cuisine options.

AirAsia India pricing

The airline offers competitive fares throughout its network as a true low-cost carrier. Promotional campaigns run often with some remarkably affordable deals. Fares on select routes have started from RM201 (approximately ₹3,900) and INR 4,132, to name just one example of their international promotions.

AirAsia India routes and destinations

The airline operates more than 20 daily flights connecting 16 cities, ranking among India's top airlines by weekly flight frequency. Major hubs in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata connect passengers to key urban centers like Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

The airline expanded its network in early 2024 by adding 10 more routes, bringing its total to 26 routes between India, Malaysia and Thailand. New services to Kozhikode and Guwahati started operating in August 2024.

AirAsia India best for

Budget-conscious travelers looking for Southeast Asian connections will find AirAsia India particularly suitable. The airline's multiple "World's Best Low-Cost Airline" awards from Skytrax show its commitment to quality service at affordable prices. The combination of value and quality service makes it an excellent choice for first-time international travelers.

Air India Express

Air India Express, a Tata enterprise, stands out as a strong competitor among budget airlines in India. The airline connects 43 domestic and 17 international destinations through more than 500 daily flights that cater to cost-conscious travelers.

Air India Express key features

The airline's modern fleet consists of 115 aircraft - 75 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s. Most routes span an average of 2,863 kilometers, which sets it apart from other budget carriers. Passengers can choose from several services:

• "Gourmair" hot meals available for pre-booking

• "Xpress Ahead" priority services for check-in and baggage

• "Biz Upgrade" with best-in-class legroom and priority services

• "Xpress Flex" allowing cost-free rescheduling

The airline also lets passengers lock their fares for up to 7 days with "Fare Lock" and take earlier flights through "FlyAhead".

Air India Express pricing

Rome2rio's Flight Pricing Report ranks Air India Express as the world's second most affordable airline. Passengers pay just $0.08 per kilometer on average. This makes it one of India's most economical options for international travel, with Asian carriers dominating four of the top five spots for affordability.

Air India Express routes and destinations

The carrier serves 56 destinations - 38 in India and 18 international spots across 10 countries. Middle Eastern cities account for 67% of weekly flights, with Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and Muscat leading the way. Southern Indian airports like Kozhikode, Kannur, Kochi, Trivandrum, and Trichy handle 56% of international departures. The airline continues to grow its Southeast Asian presence through Bangkok services and upcoming Phuket routes.

Air India Express Best Low Cost Airlines in India

Budget travelers looking for international flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia will find Air India Express particularly appealing. The airline serves India's overseas workers with affordable flights that typically last 4 hours and 32 minutes. New international travelers appreciate the balance of cost-effectiveness and comfort that comes with every journey.

Akasa Air

Akasa Air took to the skies in August 2022 and became a major player among India's low-cost airlines. The airline surpassed SpiceJet's domestic market share by May 2024. Their network now covers 24 destinations with more than 130 daily flights - remarkable for a 2-year old carrier.

Akasa Air key features

The airline runs an all-economy Boeing 737 MAX fleet that stands out with several passenger-friendly features:

• USB ports conveniently placed near food trays

• Spotless aircraft that stay clean throughout the journey

• "Flexi premium services" that bundle meals, priority benefits, and flexible cancelation options

• "Akasa Priority" package (₹700 domestic/₹800 international) giving you priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding

The airline started as a venture by late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Former Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube and ex-IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh lead the company.

Akasa Air pricing

The airline offers budget-friendly fares that match other low-cost carriers. You won't get free meals, but Café Akasa sells food onboard. All the same, their flexi premium services give travelers extra comfort without the high-end airline prices.

Akasa Air routes and destinations

The airline's network (as of October 2025) connects 23 domestic and 6 international cities across 6 countries. Popular domestic routes run between:

• Mumbai-Delhi

• Bengaluru-Delhi

• Bengaluru-Mumbai

International flights reach Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Phuket. The airline's focus changed significantly - Delhi flights jumped from 5% to 11% of total operations between 2023-2024, while Mumbai grew from 18% to 22%.

Akasa Air best for

Budget travelers looking for a fresh alternative to older airlines will find Akasa Air appealing. The airline excels especially when you have comfort in mind - passengers usually find space in overhead bins unlike other carriers. New flyers love the courteous service and organized boarding.

FAQ's

Passengers often ask these questions before they book with low cost airlines in India. Here are answers to help you pick the right budget airline that fits your needs.

What makes IndiGo one of India's most preferred airlines?

IndiGo stands tall as India's largest passenger airline with over 60% domestic market share. The airline's punctual flights, vast network of 130+ destinations, and quality service standards make it the top choice for budget travelers.

Does IndiGo offer refundable fares?

IndiGo refunds canceled tickets after deducting cancelation fees, and the money reaches you within 7 working days. Missed flights or no-shows get you back only the airport taxes and fees.

What amenities does SpiceJet provide on domestic flights?

SpiceJet domestic flights come with comfortable economy seating. Passengers can check in online 48 hours before takeoff. SpiceCafé sells tasty food items like burgers, drinks, snacks, and sandwiches.

Does SpiceJet fly internationally?

SpiceJet connects 10 international destinations as of January 2024. These include Dubai, Bangkok, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Phuket, and Colombo.

What are the benefits of flying with AirAsia India?

AirAsia India leads the way as the first low-cost carrier in India with a loyalty program. Members collect BIG Points they can use for free flights, extra baggage, meals, and better seats.

Can I use AirAsia BIG Points for flights in India?

AirAsia BIG Points help you get flights, extras like baggage and meals, and other AirAsia rewards. These points last three years, and you can grab promo flights with just 500 BIG Points.

Does Air India Express offer free baggage?

Air India Express lets you check in one bag up to 15kg free with all fares except Xpress Lite. Extra bags cost handling fees, and going over the weight limit means paying excess charges.

What is unique about Akasa Air's service?

Akasa Air flies modern Boeing 737 MAX planes with eco-friendly LEAP-1B engines. The airline links 23 domestic destinations and prides itself on friendly service and smooth boarding.

Can I change or cancel my Akasa Air booking online?

Akasa Air's website and app let you change or cancel bookings through "Manage Booking". You can cancel up to 2 hours before departure and get your refund through your original payment method.

Comparison Table

Airline	Market Position	Fleet Size	Destinations	Key Features	Baggage Allowance	Notable Focus Areas
IndiGo	Largest passenger airline (60%+ market share)	400+ aircraft	130+ destinations (80+ domestic, 30+ international)	- 85%+ on-time performance - Priority service through Fast Forward - 6E Prime service - Booking changes with flexibility	15kg checked baggage (one piece)	Metro routes with regular flights, including hourly services at peak times
SpiceJet	4th largest (4% market share)	Mixed fleet of Boeing 737s and Bombardier Q400	63 destinations (53 domestic, 10 international)	- SpiceMax premium service - SpiceCafé - SpicEngage entertainment - Additional seat option	20kg standard allowance	Regional connectivity (UDAN flights) and tier-2/3 cities
AirAsia India	Now AIX Connect (Tata-owned)	Airbus A320 fleet (exact number not mentioned)	16 cities (domestic) + international routes	- GourmAir hot meals - Booking options with flexibility - Web check-in system - Mobile app	Not mentioned	Southeast Asian connections and major Indian urban centers
Air India Express	Major low-cost carrier	115 aircraft (75 Boeing 737s, 40 Airbus A320s)	56 destinations (38 domestic, 18 international)	- Gourmair meals - Xpress Ahead priority - Biz Upgrade - Xpress Flex	15kg checked baggage (one piece)	Middle East routes (67% operations) and South Indian hubs
Akasa Air	New entrant (launched 2022)	Boeing 737 MAX fleet (exact number not mentioned)	29 destinations (23 domestic, 6 international)	- USB charging ports - Premium services with flexibility - Akasa Priority - Café Akasa	Not mentioned	Major metro routes emphasizing Delhi and Mumbai operations

Key Takeaways

Here are the essential insights for choosing the best low-cost airline in India and maximizing your savings:

• IndiGo dominates with 60%+ market share and offers 85%+ on-time performance, making it the most reliable choice for business travelers and frequent flyers.

• Book strategically across carriers - Air India Express ranks as the world's second cheapest airline at $0.08 per kilometer, while SpiceJet excels for regional connectivity.

• Consider route-specific advantages - Air India Express leads Middle East connections, AirAsia India specializes in Southeast Asia, and Akasa Air provides modern aircraft on metro routes.

• Leverage loyalty programs and add-ons - AirAsia's BIG Points program and IndiGo's 6E Prime service offer significant value for regular travelers seeking premium benefits at budget prices.

• Pre-book extras to save money - Most carriers offer 10% discounts on pre-booked excess baggage compared to airport rates, with options ranging from basic fares to flexible premium services.

The Indian low-cost aviation market offers diverse options beyond just price comparison. Success lies in matching your specific travel needs—whether punctuality, international connectivity, or regional access—with the right carrier's strengths while taking advantage of their unique value propositions.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the most reliable low-cost airline in India?

IndiGo is widely considered the most reliable low-cost airline in India, with over 60% market share and an on-time performance consistently above 85%. The airline operates over 2,200 daily flights to 130+ destinations, making it a top choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Q2. How can I save money on baggage fees when flying budget airlines in India?

To save on baggage fees, pre-book your excess baggage online. Most low-cost carriers offer discounts of up to 10% for pre-booked excess baggage compared to airport rates. Additionally, consider airlines like Air India Express that offer 15kg free checked baggage on most fare types.

Q3. Which budget airline is best for international travel from India?

Air India Express is an excellent choice for international budget travel, especially to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It's ranked as the world's second cheapest airline at $0.08 per kilometer and focuses on longer-haul routes, averaging 2,863 kilometers per flight.

Q4. Are there any loyalty programs offered by low-cost airlines in India?

Yes, AirAsia India introduced the first loyalty program among low-cost carriers in India. Members earn BIG Points that can be redeemed for flights, add-ons like baggage and meals, and other rewards. Points are valid for three years, and promo flights can be redeemed from just 500 BIG Points.

Q5. What unique features does the newest budget airline, Akasa Air, offer?

Akasa Air, launched in 2022, offers a fresh alternative with its modern Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The airline provides USB charging ports next to food trays, well-maintained aircraft interiors, and "Flexi premium services" that include meals, priority services, and flexible cancelation policies. It's known for less crowded flights and polite service, making it appealing to first-time flyers.