Top 17 best airlines in India: domestic & international
Looking for the best airlines in India? I didn’t know where to start when it came to travelling India – both international and domestic airlines. Which one is the best? What are the safety records like? I had heard all sorts of stories about terrible service on airlines, delays, old aircrafts.
The airline industry in India has really taken off in recent years (get it? see what I did there!?), providing travellers with a tonne of options for both domestic and international travel. Don’t worry, I got you covered; here’s 17 airlines, and I separated it by International airlines and domestic airlines, down to the best airlines in India.
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best airlines in India: Safety Ratings and Service ratings
I have had a few issues with air travel (inevitable, when you travel a lot!), and so one of the things I always do is check the international safety ratings and service ratings (yes, I’m a bit nerdy).
Each airline will have records of an IOSA audit, ICAO country audit, and EU and any potential FAA bans; sounds very techy techy, but all it really means is that the airlines follow the international safety procedures and it notes whether there have been any incidents within the last 10 years.
Basically, here’s a list of the best airlines (they’re mostly all major airlines), and they get my tick of approval! Depending on where you’re travelling from, you might be able to catch direct flights, but obviously if you’re further away, you might have connections (or a joint venture). A joint venture is where two airlines share revenues on a route. So, it’s time to get booking your next flight.
Best International Airlines flying to India
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world and it’s received a bunch of awards to back up the claims too! My first long haul flight was with Singapore when I was 9 years old, and their in-flight services it was pretty spectacular, I remember there being a lot of games, TV shows, good food… you name it! Definitely deserves a spot as one of the best airlines in India, interntionally.
It operates flights to and from Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore but it’s worth checking their website for an up to date list of where they fly, as they add destinations all the time!
Singapore Airlines has won a bunch of awards for its customer service (literally, no surprise there), including the coveted “World’s Best Airline” title by Skytrax.
Qatar Airways
Another one I’ve flown a bunch of times, and it’s always been a pretty seamless experience. It’s also apparently one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, which is no surprise, in the last 20 years it has seemingly come from nowhere? This deserves a spot on the list for best airlines in India operating internationally.
It flies to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore (check the destinations on their website as it changes all the time). The airline is known having a bit of luxury – we’ve all seen the viral videos. Qatar Airways has won awards for “Airline of the Year” by Skytrax multiple times so you’re in safe hands here.
Emirates Airlines
I lived in the Middle East (specifically Dubai) for a while and took Emirates flights all the time, and I always had great service, and great safety records too. Emirates is the national airline for the UAE. And everyone has seen the Jennifer Anniston adverts of her cruising in the airline; it has all the premium services you can think of. This deserves a spot on the list for best airlines in India operating internationally.
Emirates has won several awards for its customer service, including “World’s Best Inflight Entertainment” by Skytrax. The Their fleet of Airbus A 380, Boeing 777, and the Airbus A350-900s makes it one of the biggest airlines in the world. Definitely one of the best airlines in India operating internationally.
Air New Zealand
I believe Air New Zealand has the best safety record worldwide, and they’re fabulous! Air New Zealand offers flights to several Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai.
The airline is known for its exceptional customer service, comfortable cabins, and extensive network of destinations. Air New Zealand has been named “Airline of the Year” by AirlineRatings.com a bunch of times and it’s not hard to see why. Definitely one of the best airlines in India operating internationally.
AirAsia India
I have flown AirAsia a bunch of times and had great experiences each time. AirAsia is a low-cost airline that operates flights to several domestic and international destinations from India. The airline is known for its affordable fares, modern aircraft, and punctuality. AirAsia has won several awards for being the “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” by Skytrax. Definitely one of the best airlines in India operating internationally.
American Airlines
American Airlines is recognized for its comfortable cabins, excellent customer service, and extensive network of destinations. American Airlines has won several awards for its customer service, including “Best Airline Staff in North America” by Skytrax, who knew?
I only just found out that the largest airline/largest fleet size in the world is actually the American Airlines group, which makes sense seeing as they seem to fly everywhere in the United States and across the globe! Definitely one of the best airlines in India operating internationally.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines is another fab airline and has plenty of international flights to several Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. The airline is known for its exceptional service, comfortable cabins, and extensive network of destinations.
Japan Airlines has won several awards for its service, including “Best Economy Class” by Skytrax.
British Airways n
British Airways (BA) flies to many Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. I’ve flown it many times and collect airmiles with their rewards programme, and with my AMEX card and can get the use of some pretty decent airport lounges.
The airline is recognized for its comfortable cabins, excellent customer service, and extensive network of destinations. British Airways has won awards for being the “Best Airline in Western Europe” by Skytrax.
Etihad Airways n
Another one I’ve flown many times; Etihad Airways has won several awards for its service, including “Best First Class” by Skytrax.
Etihad Airways flies to many places in India including Delhi and Mumbai. The airline is known for its luxury, and if you can afford their comfortable cabins, you’re guaranteed extra legroom some exceptional service.
Qantas Airways
Home to Aussie’s finest is Qantas Airways, which, being Australian, I have flown many times. Qantas won five awards in total which is no mean feat.
It snagged the award for best catering in premium economy class, along with four awards for the Australia/Pacific region: best airline, best business class, best economy class and best cabin cleanliness (always a good thing, there’s nothing worse than a dirty aircraft, especially if you’re long haul).
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines flies to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The airline is renowned for its comfortable cabins, excellent customer service, and extensive network of destinations.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is a popular airline that operates flights to several domestic and international destinations from India. Virgin Australia has won several awards for its service, including “Best Cabin Crew” by AirlineRatings.com – we’ve all seen the adverts of them too!
Cathay Pacific
I flew Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong and Australia previously; it flies to several Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. The airline is recognized for its comfortable cabins, excellent customer service, and extensive network of destinations. Cathay Pacific has won several awards for its service, including “Best Business Class” by Skytrax.
Best Domestic Airlines in India:
best airlines in India: Air Asia India
Air Asia India is a low-cost carrier that operates flights to several domestic destinations within India. The airline is renowned for its budget-friendly fares, modern aircraft, and punctuality.
Air Asia India has received multiple accolades for its service, including the prestigious “Best Low-Cost Airline” award by Travel Trade Journal.
It’s a great regional airline and I’d totally recommend it! They have tonnes of domestic routes, so have a look at their website. Definitely one of the best airlines in India!
IndiGo Airlines
IndiGo Airlines holds the title of being the largest Indian airline in India based on market share, and I flew with them several times internally, without any issues!
IndiGo Airlines has been awarded the “Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia and India” by Skytrax. It offers flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. The largest Indian carrier is known for being a low-cost carrier (it has super cheap flights!) and sound customer service. They have daily flights all over India, so the pick is yours! Definitely one of the best airlines in India!
We flew to New Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport) but they fly to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka State: Kempegowda International Airport which are popular destinations. Definitely deserves a spot as one of the best airlines in India.
Vistara
Vistara, part of the Tata sons group, is a full-service airline that operates domestic flights and international flights from India and gets my vote for one of the top airlines in India. It is recognized for its comfortable cabins, outstanding customer service, and punctuality.
Vistara has been the recipient of multiple awards, including the esteemed “Best Domestic Airline” by Travel + Leisure India. It is one of the best airlines in India!
SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a popular low-cost airline owned by Ajay Singh that provides flights to numerous domestic and international destinations within India. The airline is renowned for its affordable fares, modern aircraft, and punctuality. SpiceJet received an award for being the “Best Low-Cost Airline in India” award by Travel + Leisure India. Definitely deserves a spot as one of the best airlines in India!
This is, of course, not an exhaustive list! Whilst in India I also few Air India / Air India Express – and whilst it was fine, they have had a number of incidents over the last 10 years, so you might want to consider reading up on that a little more if this is a concern for you. This deserves a spot on the list for best airlines in India operating nationally.
There’s so many others you might want to look up in Southeast Asia and globally; Alaska Airlines Alliance Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Eva Air, Delta Air lines, Jet Airways, United Airlines, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Nippon Airways, First Airline and Star Air to name a few.
India boasts a diverse range of airlines, each catering to different travel preferences, budgets, and destinations. Definitely deserves a spot as one of the best airlines in India.
Factors to consider when choosing an airline
Cost
Obviously, cost is usually the most important factor, as flying can be expensive (but it doesn’t have to be!). I played a bit of flight roulette – flying to the next cheapest destination! Compare prices among different airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal that fits your budget. Prices change all the time, and I set up flight alerts so I get a notification email telling me when the flight price has dropped.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting an airline, and it is ultimately my top priority, having been in an emergency landing which was honestly kind of terrifying. I check safety ratings and reviews from reputable sources like AirlineRatings.com or the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Comfort
The level of comfort provided by an airline can greatly impact your travel experience. Consider factors such as seat size, legroom, seat recline, and cabin layout. Some airlines offer premium seating options or extra amenities like lie-flat beds for long-haul flights. Reading customer reviews and looking at seat maps can give you insights into the comfort level of different airlines.
Customer Service
Nobody wants to fly with an airline with terrible customer service (have you seen the crazy viral videos going around?). Look for airlines that are responsive to customer inquiries and provide assistance when needed. Check reviews and ratings, but what I usually do is check social media to gauge the quality of an airline’s customer service as it always says a lot about an airline.
On-Time Performance
Punctuality is crucial, especially if you have connecting flights or a tight schedule. Research an airline’s on-time performance record because I’ve seen it happen so many times; your flight is just cancelled, or delayed for days on end and it can mess up your travel plans which is a nightmare! Websites like FlightStats or official airline reports provide information on an airline’s average delay or cancellation rates.
In-Flight Amenities
Consider the amenities offered during the flight, such as meals, entertainment systems, Wi-Fi availability, and power outlets. Some airlines provide complimentary meals and beverages, while others offer a buy-on-board service. The availability of in-flight entertainment options like movies, TV shows, or music can be the ultimate game changer; I heard of my friend having 2 12 hour flights back to back with not having any in flight entertainment… nightmare!
Choosing the right airline is crucial for a comfortable travel experience. Consider factors like cost, safety, comfort, customer service, on-time performance, and amenities. IndiGo and Vistara are my top choices for domestic travel, while Emirates, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines are my top picks for international travel. Research, compare, and read reviews to make an informed decision. Enjoy a seamless journey with the right airline. That’s it! Get booking your next flight with a peace of mind!
You might also find my other Indian travel guides useful:
Jodhpur Jaisalmer Tour Package
