New Delhi: India’s domestic aviation sector is set for another major expansion this winter, as four new airports — Hisar, Amravati, Purnia, and Rupsi — join the operational map under the Winter Schedule 2025 (WS25). The new schedule, effective from October 26, 2025, to March 28, 2026, reflects a steady post-pandemic surge in domestic air travel.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, a total of 26,495 weekly departures have been approved to and from 126 airports across India, marking a 5.95% increase compared to the previous winter schedule. The Summer Schedule 2025 (SS25) had recorded 25,610 weekly departures from 129 airports.
While new airports have been added to boost regional air connectivity, operations have been suspended at seven airports this season — Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong, and Shravasti.
Among airlines, IndiGo maintained its dominance with 15,014 weekly departures, a 6.05% increase over the summer schedule. Air India followed with 4,277 flights, while AI Express recorded 3,171 departures. SpiceJet posted a strong 26.45% surge, and Star Air reported a 6.53% increase in operations.
Regional carriers displayed mixed trends. Fly91 registered a record 59.35% growth, signaling growing demand in short-haul routes, while Fly Big saw its operations drop by over 67%.
Compared to the Winter Schedule 2024, overall weekly departures rose by 5.95%. Star Air nearly doubled its footprint with 50% growth, while AI Express and SpiceJet recorded gains of 11.97% and 20.89% respectively.
Officials said the new winter schedule reflects a strategic push toward Tier-II and Tier-III connectivity, enhancing accessibility and stimulating regional economies. The inclusion of airports like Hisar and Amravati is expected to boost trade, tourism, and local employment opportunities in these emerging aviation hubs.
