At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Air India | IndiGo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Low-cost | Different categories: compare on price and service expectations |
| Primary hub | DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD) | DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD) | Same hub (DEL), a direct head-to-head |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 220+ aircraft | 420+ aircraft | Larger fleet: IndiGo (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay) |
| Global alliance | Star Alliance | None (independent) | Air India alliance offers points on partners |
| Founded | 1932 | 2006 | Air India has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | B777, B787, A350, A321neo, A320neo | A320neo, A321neo, A320ceo, ATR 72 | |
| Domestic checked baggage (economy entry) | 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business) | 15 kg | Compare against your typical packing: a higher allowance suits return-with-souvenirs trips |
| Cabin baggage | 8 kg | 7 kg | |
| In-flight meals | Complimentary meal | Buy-on-board only | Air India includes meals; the other sells on board |
| India customer care number | 0124-264 1407 | 0124-617 3838 |
Fares on routes both airlines fly (HappyFares data)
Typical fare is the median of the fares HappyFares recorded for each airline's non-stop flights on the route, from fare searches between 4 Oct 2026 and 4 Nov 2026. Figures computed 4 Nov 2026. Flights is the number of distinct flight and date combinations behind each figure; routes with fewer than 5 for either airline are left out. Fares are one-way economy and change daily.
| Route | Air India typical fare | IndiGo typical fare | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore to Delhi | ₹11,925 122 flights Air India fares |
₹10,378 42 flights IndiGo fares |
IndiGo ₹1,547 lower |
| Delhi to Mumbai | ₹19,280 99 flights Air India fares |
₹7,517 36 flights IndiGo fares |
IndiGo ₹11,763 lower |
| Kolkata to Delhi | ₹11,816 108 flights Air India fares |
₹9,692 35 flights IndiGo fares |
IndiGo ₹2,124 lower |
| Kolkata to Mumbai | ₹13,542 114 flights Air India fares |
₹9,323 28 flights IndiGo fares |
IndiGo ₹4,219 lower |
About Air India
Air India is India's flag carrier, founded in 1932 and now part of Tata Group since 2022. The airline operates long-haul flights to North America, Europe, Australia, and across Asia, alongside an extensive domestic network. A Star Alliance member with a modernising fleet of Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A350s.
Fare structure: Economy (Eco Value, Eco Flex), Premium Economy, Business (Vista)
About IndiGo
IndiGo is India's largest airline by passengers carried and fleet size. Founded in 2006, the airline operates over 2,000 daily flights to 90+ domestic and 30+ international destinations. Known for on-time performance and low fares, IndiGo carries roughly 6 out of every 10 domestic passengers in India.
Fare structure: Economy 3 tiers, Saver (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin, standard change/cancel fees) → Flexi Plus (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary standard seat, partial change/cancel fees) → IndiGo UpFront (20 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary front-row Economy seat, ZERO change fee + LOW cancellation charges, Fast Forward not included). Business class: Stretch and Stretch Plus (lie-flat-style premium seating on select metro/long-haul A321 routes, generous baggage + meals + lounge access). Note: the legacy "Super 6E" fare brand was renamed to IndiGo UpFront in 2024 with revised benefits, and IndiGo no longer sells a "Lite" cabin-only fare on domestic.