From Ahmedabad accident to IndiGo crisis… the entire year 2025 has been full of challenges for the Indian aviation sector.

New Delhi: The year 2025 was very difficult for the Indian aviation industry. While on one hand there was a horrific crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad in June, in which 241 people lost their lives, on the other hand in December, lakhs of passengers were troubled due to the cancellation of thousands of Indigo flights. Amidst these major crises, passenger growth remained sluggish and operational challenges increased.

The year had started well – passenger numbers grew by more than 10% to 4.32 crore in the first three months. But the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April, in which 26 tourists were killed, changed everything. After this, India-Pakistan tension increased, both countries imposed a ban on each other’s airspace, which still continues. Due to this, routes became longer, fuel costs increased and many international flights were affected.

Then came that dark day of June – on June 12, Air India’s London bound flight AI-171 crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into the hostel of BJ Medical College and burst into flames. Only one passenger out of 242 survived, while 19 people on the ground also died. Preliminary investigation revealed pilot error or technical failure, but the final report is still pending. This accident raised questions on the safety of the entire sector.

Passenger numbers kept falling after the accident. Growth in the first 10 months stood at just 3.97%, according to DGCA data – the lowest since Covid. The growth in May was just 1.89%.

Indigo’s crisis reached its peak in December. Crew shortages occurred due to new pilot duty rules (48 hours weekly rest, night duty limits) implemented from 1 November. IndiGo canceled thousands of flights in December – more than 1500 on December 5 alone! Passengers became angry at airports, baggage piled up and trust diminished. The government formed an inquiry committee and gave some relaxations to IndiGo.

There was also a positive side – new airports and terminals opened, like Navi Mumbai Airport will start commercial operations from December 25. Patna, Guwahati got new terminals and flights started from Purnia.

Overall, 2025 was a year full of lessons for the aviation sector. Major crises prevailed, but infrastructure development gave hope. Focus on safety, planning and growth will be necessary in the coming year.