I Ranked India’s 7 Cheapest Airlines After Flying Them All (2026)

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I’ve been flying around India on a budget for years. At this point, I’ve lost track of how many ₹999 flash sales I’ve jumped on, how many 5am boarding calls I’ve survived, and how many tiny turboprop flights I’ve white-knuckled into hill stations. Since I last wrote about the cheapest airlines in India, three of them have vanished. Go First got liquidated, Vistara got absorbed into Air India, and AirAsia India got folded into Air India Express. RIP to all three!

What’s left is seven airlines I’d book with my own money. They range from a carrier so big it operates more daily flights than most countries have aircraft, to one so small that half its routes won’t even show up on Skyscanner. If you’re after ₹1,499 fares to Goa or a flight into a Himalayan airstrip no other airline serves, something on this list will work.

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1. 🇮🇳 IndiGo

• 🏠 Base: Delhi (DEL), with hubs in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kochi
• 💰 Typical Fares: Domestic roundtrips from $36 during sales, $70–150 standard
• ✈️ Fleet: 430+ Airbus A320neos, A321neos, ATR 72s, and new A321XLRs (delivered January 2026)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 7kg carry on included; checked bags start from around $8
• 🏆 Loyalty Program: 6E Rewards
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book exactly 90 days out when their seasonal schedule drops. That’s when you’ll find fares 30 to 40% below what you’d normally pay

IndiGo controls over 60% of India’s domestic market and honestly, there’s a reason for that. They run over 2,700 flights a day to 141 destinations across 31 countries, so it’s basically impossible to plan a trip in India without bumping into an IndiGo flight. Whether you’re hopping from Delhi to Goa for a beach weekend or connecting through to Southeast Asia, they’ve probably got the cheapest option.

The fares stay low because IndiGo runs an incredibly tight ship. One aircraft family, fast turnarounds, and no frills means they keep costs down and pass savings straight to you. Base fares dip under $36 roundtrip during their regular sales, and even standard prices rarely crack $150 for domestic routes. I’ve seen Delhi to Goa pop up for under $70 roundtrip plenty of times.

The big 2026 story is the A321XLR. IndiGo became the first Indian airline to fly this long range narrowbody in January, launching nonstop service from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens. Nine more are arriving this year, with routes deeper into Europe and East Asia on the way. They’ve also rolled out “IndiGo Stretch,” a 12 seat premium cabin with 44 inch pitch, recliners, and in seat power.

If you’re flying domestically within India on a budget, IndiGo should be your first search every time. Their app is great for booking and check in, and the sheer number of daily frequencies means you can almost always find a time that works. Book early and travel midweek for the best deals.

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2. 🇮🇳 Air India Express

• 🏠 Base: Bengaluru (BLR), Delhi (DEL), and Mumbai (BOM)
• 💰 Typical Fares: Domestic roundtrips from $50 during sales; international from $150 to the Gulf
• ✈️ Fleet: 110+ aircraft including Boeing 737 MAX 8s and Airbus A320neos
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 7kg carry on included; checked bags vary by route
• 🏆 Loyalty Program: Integrated with Air India’s Maharaja Club
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Smart Saver” advance fares at least a month out for almost half off standard international prices

Air India Express is a completely different airline than it was two years ago. After absorbing AirAsia India in October 2024, it now operates over 500 daily flights to 45 domestic and 17 international destinations. It’s the Tata Group’s dedicated low cost arm alongside full service Air India.

Fares stay competitive because of the sheer scale the merger created. Routes jumped from 74 to 171 practically overnight, and with 110+ aircraft there’s enough capacity to keep prices aggressive. I’ve consistently found them to be the cheapest option for India to the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Roundtrips to Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur regularly dip below $180 during sales.

The fleet is getting a big refresh in 2026. The airline received its first custom built Boeing 737 MAX in December 2025, complete with new cabin interiors and their Gourmair hot meal service. Two thirds of the fleet now consists of modern 737 MAX and A320neo aircraft, and Bengaluru is emerging as their biggest hub with new daily flights to Dubai and Doha launching summer 2026.

If you’re flying between Indian cities and the Middle East, this is your airline. The international network is unmatched at these price points. Plus, you still get a hot meal included on overseas flights when most budget carriers charge extra for a bag of chips!

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3. 🇮🇳 Akasa Air

• 🏠 Base: Mumbai (BOM) and Bengaluru (BLR), with a growing Delhi base
• 💰 Typical Fares: Domestic roundtrips from $33 during sales, $65–130 standard
• ✈️ Fleet: 33 Boeing 737 MAX 8s (with 193 more on order)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 7kg carry on included; 15kg checked bag on most fares
• 🏆 Loyalty Program: None yet
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Saver” fares are cheap but don’t include checked bags or seat selection. Upgrade to “Flexi” if you need flexibility on date changes

Akasa Air launched in August 2022 and has already become one of India’s most promising budget carriers. They fly to 26 domestic and 6 international destinations with an all Boeing 737 MAX fleet, meaning brand new planes on every route. It’s the youngest fleet in India and you can feel the difference the moment you sit down.

What makes Akasa competitive on price is their lean operation. Flash sales regularly drop domestic one way fares to ₹1,399 (around $17), and even standard roundtrips on routes like Mumbai to Bengaluru hover around $65 to $80. They also run a codeshare with Etihad Airways, which opens up affordable connection options to the Gulf through Abu Dhabi.

The 2026 expansion is where things get exciting. They’re targeting 50+ aircraft by year end with roughly two new planes per month, and Sharjah launches early this year alongside plans for Singapore, Vietnam, and East Africa. New hubs at Navi Mumbai and Noida airports are also on the roadmap.

The onboard experience is no frills but comfortable. You’ll find USB-C charging points, decent legroom, and a Café Akasa menu you can pre order through the app. Book the Saver fare at least a week out and Akasa consistently undercuts IndiGo on overlapping routes.

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4. 🇮🇳 SpiceJet

• 🏠 Base: Delhi (DEL) and Hyderabad (HYD)
• 💰 Typical Fares: Domestic one ways from ₹999 ($12) during sales, $55–120 standard roundtrips
• ✈️ Fleet: ~68 aircraft total (Boeing 737s, 737 MAXs, Q400s), though only ~32 operational
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 7kg carry on included; 15kg checked bag on domestic fares
• 🏆 Loyalty Program: SpiceClub
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Only book SpiceJet when you have a backup plan. Flash sales are the cheapest in India, but cancellations do happen

SpiceJet has been flying since 2005 and at its best delivers some of the lowest fares in India. Their ₹999 one way sales are legendary. I’ve personally scored Delhi to Jaipur tickets for barely more than a fancy coffee. When everything goes smoothly, it’s hard to beat on pure price.

The catch is that SpiceJet has been struggling operationally for the past few years. Only about half their fleet is currently flying, which means routes get dropped and frequencies change with little notice. I’d avoid booking SpiceJet for any trip where a cancellation would ruin your plans, like a wedding or a connecting international flight.

On the upside, they’re aggressively trying to rebuild. SpiceJet added Boeing 737s and an Airbus A340 widebody in late 2025, bumped daily flights from 125 to around 250, and launched service to Phuket and Kathmandu. They’re targeting 100+ aircraft and 350 daily flights by fiscal year 2027.

My advice is to treat SpiceJet as a bonus rather than a sure thing. Grab those flash sale fares when they pop up, but always have travel insurance and a flexible itinerary in case of cancellations. For tier 2 city connections like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Varanasi, their Q400 turboprops are actually a good and affordable option.

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5. 🇮🇳 Air India

• 🏠 Base: Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM)
• 💰 Typical Fares: Domestic one ways from ₹1,499 during sales; London roundtrips from ₹46,600
• ✈️ Fleet: 200+ aircraft (Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A320neos)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 15kg checked bag + 7kg carry on included domestic; up to 2x23kg international
• 🏆 Loyalty Program: Maharaja Club (Star Alliance)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Upgrade to Premium Economy for as little as ₹599 above economy on domestic routes. Best value upgrade in Indian aviation

Air India isn’t a budget airline in the traditional sense, but after absorbing Vistara in November 2024 it competes aggressively on price with low cost carriers. Their sales regularly offer domestic one ways from ₹1,499 and international roundtrips to London for around ₹46,600 ($550). The difference is you get a complimentary meal, checked baggage, and seat selection included.

That bundled value is what makes Air India worth considering here. On a budget carrier you’ll pay separately for a checked bag, meal, and seat choice, and the total often matches Air India’s economy fare. I’ve found this especially true on metro routes like Delhi to Mumbai and Bengaluru to Hyderabad, where Air India prices economy to match IndiGo.

The Tata Group transformation is visible now. Over 100 narrowbodies have refreshed cabins with USB C charging and the Vista Stream entertainment system. Airbus A350s and Boeing 787-9s arrive throughout 2026. New Maharaja Lounges are opening in Delhi and San Francisco, with a full dining menu overhaul by March.

The Star Alliance membership is the real hidden advantage. Your Maharaja Club points work across 25 partner airlines including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and United, so even cheap economy flights earn miles toward upgrades worldwide. If you fly internationally more than once a year, that loyalty value alone makes Air India worth choosing over a pure budget carrier.

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6. 🇮🇳 Alliance Air

• 🏠 Base: Delhi (DEL), with flights from Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai
• 💰 Typical Fares: One ways from ₹2,000–5,000 ($24–60); fixed pricing on many routes
• ✈️ Fleet: 21 aircraft (ATR 72-600s, ATR 42-600s, Dornier 228)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 15kg checked + 7kg carry on included
• 🏆 Loyalty Program: None
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book directly with Alliance Air. Most of their flights don’t appear on Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Alliance Air is the one you need if you’re trying to reach somewhere no other airline flies to. They operate tiny turboprops to 57+ destinations like Shimla, Shillong, Dimapur, Agatti, and dozens of towns across the northeast that would otherwise mean a full day on a bus. I wouldn’t have reached half the remote places I’ve visited in India without them.

Fares are cheap because many routes are government subsidised to keep smaller cities connected. On a lot of routes the price is also fixed, so it doesn’t spike closer to departure the way every other Indian airline does. That’s a massive perk if you’re travelling spontaneously and don’t want to get stung for booking last minute.

The planes are small with no middle seats, so every passenger gets a window or aisle. Because ATR turboprops fly lower than jets, you get spectacular views of the Himalayas or the coastline depending on your route. The Kolkata to Shillong flight is one of the most scenic short hops I’ve taken anywhere.

Fair warning: schedules can be limited and delays happen more than on bigger carriers. Book directly through their website since not all flights show up on booking sites. But if you’re trying to get somewhere remote without burning a full travel day on the road, Alliance Air is the answer.

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7. 🇮🇳 Star Air

• 🏠 Base: Bengaluru (BLR) and Hyderabad (HYD)
• 💰 Typical Fares: One ways from ₹2,499 ($30); roundtrips typically $55–100
• ✈️ Fleet: Embraer ERJ 145s and E175s (small jets, not turboprops)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 15kg checked + 7kg carry on included
• 🏆 Loyalty Program: None
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Star Air includes a free veg meal and seat selection on the cheapest fare. That saves you ₹500+ compared to buying add ons on IndiGo or SpiceJet

Star Air fills a gap none of the bigger airlines bother with. They fly Embraer regional jets between 32 smaller cities across south and west India, places like Belgaum, Kolhapur, Nanded, Ajmer, and Bidar that don’t appear on IndiGo’s radar. If you’re exploring Karnataka, Maharashtra, or Rajasthan beyond the obvious cities, Star Air is likely the fastest way there.

Fares are low because the planes are small and routes are short, but you get more included than on the big budget carriers. Every ticket comes with a complimentary veg meal, free seat selection, and one free date change at this price point. I’ve flown routes where Star Air all in was cheaper than IndiGo’s base fare before add ons.

They fly proper jets rather than turboprops, so it feels closer to a normal flight than the puddle jumpers you might expect. The Embraer E175 is a comfortable ride with two seats on each side of the aisle and decent overhead space. Flights are usually under 90 minutes, but the experience punches above what you’d expect for the price.

The network is limited and frequencies are low, sometimes just one flight a day on certain routes. Plan ahead and don’t count on last minute availability, especially around holidays. For getting between India’s smaller cities without routing through Mumbai or Delhi, Star Air is a time saver most travellers don’t know exists.

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