Over the first six months of 2025, Indian airlines have faced an unprecedented wave of disruptions, with more than 5,700 flights cancelled due to a combination of geopolitical tensions and regulatory hurdles. The data, officially released by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on August 18, paints a clear picture of the challenges plaguing the aviation sector in a year already marked by regional instability and operational headaches.
According to The Indian Express and NDTV, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) disclosed that a total of 5,706 flights—across major carriers including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air—were cancelled between January and June 2025. This figure represents about 1% of the 572,079 total scheduled departures during the same period. While that percentage may seem small at first glance, the impact on travelers, airlines, and the broader industry has been anything but negligible.
At the heart of the cancellations are two major factors: persistent geopolitical tensions and regulatory restrictions. The closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers, a measure still in place as of August 19, has continued to hinder west-bound international flights. This ongoing restriction, a direct consequence of fraught India-Pakistan relations, has forced airlines to take longer, costlier routes or, in some cases, cancel flights altogether.
The situation escalated in May 2025, when a four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan—referred to as Operation Sindoor—prompted the suspension of civilian aircraft operations at several airports in northern and western India. Many of these airports double as defense airfields, and the conflict led to a large number of domestic flights being grounded. As The Indian Express reports, these sudden disruptions left thousands of travelers stranded and airlines scrambling to adjust their schedules.
But the geopolitical landscape isn’t the only culprit. Regulatory issues have also played a significant role in the wave of cancellations. While the government data did not provide a precise breakdown between cancellations caused by geopolitical events and those triggered by regulatory problems, it’s clear that both have contributed to a challenging operational environment for airlines.
Among the carriers, IndiGo bore the brunt of the turmoil, accounting for 3,274 cancellations—about 57% of the total. The Air India group (including Air India and Air India Express) followed with 1,468 cancellations, making up approximately 26% of the overall number. SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air reported 401 (7%), 64 (1.1%), and 499 (8.7%) cancellations, respectively. These figures, as detailed by both The Indian Express and NDTV, underscore the widespread nature of the disruptions across the industry.
The financial ramifications for airlines have been significant. As Minister Mohol explained in his written reply, "Airlines incur costs due to delays and cancellations, including additional fuel, crew overtime, maintenance, airport fees, and rebooking expenses. Further, airlines are required to provide refunds or compensation to passengers for cancellations or significant delays." These costs can quickly add up, eroding already thin profit margins and forcing carriers to make tough decisions about route viability and resource allocation.
Despite these headwinds, the Indian aviation sector has shown remarkable resilience. The number of passengers carried by domestic airlines during January-June 2025 actually registered a growth of 7.34% compared to the same period in 2024. This uptick, highlighted in both The Indian Express and NDTV reports, suggests that demand for air travel remains robust, even as airlines contend with operational setbacks. For many industry watchers, this growth is a testament to the underlying strength of the Indian market and the determination of carriers to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity.
Air India, for instance, has continued to expand its international footprint. Since July 2023, the carrier has launched 24 new international routes, although four of these have since been suspended for commercial reasons. Notably, Air India's Goa-London (Gatwick) service, which had been temporarily halted, is slated to resume in the Winter Schedule of 2025. This ongoing expansion, even amid turbulence, reflects a broader strategy to capture market share and tap into pent-up demand for international travel.
The ripple effects of flight cancellations are felt far beyond airline balance sheets. For travelers, the experience can be frustrating and costly, with last-minute changes disrupting personal and business plans. Airlines are legally obligated to provide refunds or compensation in cases of significant delays or cancellations, as reaffirmed by Minister Mohol. While these consumer protections are vital, they also add another layer of complexity and expense for carriers already navigating a volatile landscape.
Industry analysts point out that the challenges facing Indian airlines are not unique. Around the world, carriers have had to grapple with the fallout from geopolitical flashpoints, shifting regulatory regimes, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. What sets the Indian context apart is the sheer scale of the market and the intensity of the regional tensions that can, at a moment’s notice, upend carefully laid plans.
Looking ahead, the sector’s ability to weather future storms will depend on a mix of strategic planning, diplomatic engagement, and regulatory reform. The ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace, for example, is a stark reminder of how quickly international disputes can spill over into commercial realities. Until such restrictions are eased, Indian airlines may continue to face higher operating costs and operational uncertainty on key international routes.
Meanwhile, the government’s role in monitoring, regulating, and supporting the industry remains crucial. Transparent communication, timely data release, and clear guidelines on compensation and refunds can help restore traveler confidence and ensure that airlines are held accountable for service disruptions. As Minister Mohol’s replies to the Rajya Sabha demonstrate, there is an ongoing effort to provide clarity and accountability, even as the sector navigates a period of rapid change.
For now, the Indian aviation industry stands at a crossroads. The first half of 2025 has tested its resilience, adaptability, and resolve. Yet, with passenger numbers rising and airlines pushing ahead with new routes and services, there is a sense that the sector is determined not just to survive, but to thrive. Whether these ambitions can be realized in the face of continued geopolitical and regulatory headwinds remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the skies over India are as dynamic—and unpredictable—as ever.
