Air India Wins Best Domestic Airline Award at Travel + Leisure India & South Asia 2025

Air India continues to strengthen its comeback story. The national carrier has been named Best Domestic Airline at the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards 2025, winning the title for the second year in a row.

What makes this recognition stand out is that it is entirely driven by passenger votes, reflecting growing trust among Indian travellers at a time when the airline is undergoing a massive transformation.

A Win Powered by Passenger Choice

Unlike many industry awards decided by expert panels, the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards are fully reader-voted. Frequent flyers and travellers share their real experiences and vote based on what matters most to them.

Key factors considered include:

• Service quality
• Seating comfort and cabin experience
• Operational reliability
• Overall journey satisfaction

For Air India, this repeat win signals that passengers are noticing tangible improvements across domestic routes.

Why This Award Matters for Air India

Winning the Best Domestic Airline title again is more than just a trophy. It highlights a clear shift in passenger perception, especially in India’s highly competitive aviation market.

The recognition validates Air India’s efforts toward:

• Improving onboard comfort
• Delivering more consistent service
• Enhancing punctuality and reliability
• Rebuilding confidence among frequent flyers

For an airline that once struggled with perception issues, this marks a significant turnaround.

Customer Trust at the Centre of the Recognition

Air India has acknowledged that the award reflects the confidence passengers are placing in its people — from cabin crew to ground staff and operations teams.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, shared that winning the award for the second consecutive year reinforces the airline’s focus on building a world-class travel experience across domestic sectors. He also credited frontline teams for maintaining service consistency during a period of rapid change.

Transformation Under the Tata Group

The award comes at a crucial time in Air India’s journey following its return to the Tata Group. The airline is currently executing one of the most ambitious transformation programmes in global aviation.

Key areas of focus include:

• Fleet renewal and modernisation
• Upgraded cabins and interiors
• Better digital and customer-facing systems
• Improved service standards across touchpoints

This long-term strategy aims to reposition Air India as a strong global brand while delivering reliable domestic connectivity.

Massive Fleet Modernisation Plans

One of the most talked-about aspects of Air India’s revival is its fleet expansion. The airline has placed orders for 570 new aircraft, making it one of the largest aircraft orders in aviation history.

In addition to new planes, Air India has launched a USD 400 million retrofit programme to upgrade existing aircraft with:

• New seats and cabins
• Modern inflight systems
• Improved comfort across classes

By the end of 2026, a majority of Air India’s fleet is expected to be either brand new or fully refurbished.

What This Means for Indian Flyers

For passengers, this award is a strong signal that Air India’s domestic experience is evolving in the right direction. With better aircraft, improved service, and renewed focus on reliability, travellers can expect a more comfortable and predictable journey.

As competition intensifies among Indian airlines, customer-driven recognition like this sets a clear benchmark.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Air India wins Best Domestic Airline at Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards 2025
• Second consecutive year the airline has secured the title
• Award is entirely reader-voted, based on passenger experiences
• Airline is investing heavily in fleet renewal and service upgrades
• Majority of the fleet to be new or upgraded by end-2026

Quick Question for Readers

Which airline was named Best Domestic Airline at the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards 2025?

(A) IndiGo
(B) Vistara
(C) Air India
(D) Akasa Air

Correct Answer: (C) Air India