By
Mansvini Kaushik
|
Sep 8, 2025
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Travel
In 1910, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala became the first Indian to acquire a private aircraft—a statement of prestige that set the tone for decades to come. Over a century later, private aviation in India is no longer the preserve of royalty alone; it is now being propelled by a booming economy, a surge of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and the growing need for speed and flexibility in a country where time is, quite literally, money.
A Market on the Rise
According to SBS Aviation, India’s private jet market has grown from USD 187 million in FY19 to USD 274 million in FY24, clocking a steady 8% CAGR. The trajectory is only steepening—forecasts point to 13–15% annual growth, taking the sector to USD 500–550 million by FY29. A parallel study by Market Research Future paints a broader picture of the air charter services market, projecting it to surge from USD 2.99 billion in 2023 to USD 9.21 billion by 2035.
India today operates the largest business jet fleet in South Asia—168 aircraft as of 2024, with a 25% expansion over three years. By comparison, China saw its fleet contract by nearly one-third in the same period. The message is clear: India is the fastest-growing private aviation market in Asia, with “high growth headroom” compared to saturated Western hubs.
Who’s Flying?
More than 60% of India’s private jet usage is business-related, from CEOs hopping between industrial hubs to investors visiting startups in tier-2 cities. But the picture is broader. Religious pilgrimages, destination weddings, and even quick weekend getaways are increasingly being flown private. “Unlike the West, where ownership is common, India leans heavily toward charter usage,” explains Santosh Sharma, founder of Bookmyjet. “We are seeing a surge of first-time flyers, aspirational travelers, and businesses beginning to embrace efficiency. Demand is largely domestic—metros to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, pilgrimage routes, and seasonal spikes during weddings and festivals.”
The Economic Tailwinds
The sector’s growth is underpinned by India’s broader economic momentum. The IMF forecasts India’s GDP to grow at 7% in 2025, more than double the global average of 3.2%. By 2029, India is expected to be a USD 6.4 trillion economy, the world’s third-largest by nominal GDP.
This rising tide is swelling the base of high-net-worth individuals: Knight Frank estimates India’s HNWI population has risen 11% in recent years, with UHNWIs projected to cross 20,000 by 2028. For these clients, time-efficient travel isn’t indulgence—it’s necessity.
Infrastructure: The Runway Ahead
India’s aviation ecosystem is undergoing a historic expansion. With 148 operational airports today and a roadmap to cross 400 by 2047, the regional connectivity push under UDAN is opening new destinations. Dedicated general aviation terminals in Mumbai and Delhi are already offering private lounges, fast-track immigration, and chauffeur-to-cabin transfers, mirroring global luxury standards.
“The expansion of new airports and upgraded infrastructure is transforming India’s aviation map,” says Sharma. “Commercial airlines may face challenges as regional connectivity shifts demand, but for general aviation, the outlook is disproportionately positive. The future is a guaranteed boom.”
Beyond Luxury: An Enabler of Efficiency
While champagne tastings at 40,000 feet and bespoke menus remain part of the allure, the real story of India’s private aviation boom is its role as a business enabler. “India is already on the runway to becoming the fastest-growing private aviation market in the next decade,” Sharma adds. “Every challenge—whether regulation, taxation, or infrastructure—is also an opportunity for innovation. Private aviation is not just luxury; it is efficiency, progress, and aspiration.”
The Next Decade
With projections of USD 9.21 billion by 2035, India’s private aviation sector is poised for unprecedented expansion. Jet-sharing platforms, medical evacuation charters, and digitised booking apps are all broadening the market. The convergence of wealth creation, infrastructure investment, and cultural shifts in how Indians travel is creating a perfect storm.
What began as a royal indulgence is now reshaping mobility for entrepreneurs, industrialists, and leisure seekers alike. As India cements its position as the world’s fastest-growing private aviation market, one thing is clear: the sky is no longer the limit—it’s the starting line.
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Mansvini Kaushik
Mansvini Kaushik is the Editor-in-Chief of Indulge Newsroom, the editorial division of Indulge Global. A seasoned business and investigative journalist, she brings years of experience from Forbes India, where she honed her craft in high-impact storytelling. With a deep-rooted passion for luxury and culture, Mansvini founded Candle Magazine before taking the helm at Indulge Newsroom. She now leads the publication with a vision to redefine luxury journalism in India.
