9 Oct 2025
In July-August 2025, passenger numbers decreased by 2% compared to the same period last year, from 26.1 million to 25.6 million.
During the festive season, Indians are choosing iPhones and cars over travel. The Trump Administration’s new visa rules have impacted the travel of Indian tech employees. Due to fear, many Indians who travel back home for Diwali never took the flight this year.
US tariffs are impacting small businesses that contribute to air travel, ET reported. Besides, US, Canadian, and European visas are challenging to obtain, which leaves only South Asia as an option for Indians. Countries with easy and on-arrival visas are experiencing full flights.
Following the DGCA directive to add capacity and prevent rate hikes, Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet added more than 1,700 flights. This year, however, flights aren’t sold out; hotels are.
Air India Express rolled out a festive offer allowing Indian expats travelling across the Gulf to carry an extra 10 kg of baggage for just one dirham (Dh1). The offer is valid for bookings made until October 31st.
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