Airlines to India: Best Carriers, Routes, and Travel Tips

When you're planning a trip to India, a country with over 1,200 airports and more than 200 international flight routes. Also known as the Indian subcontinent, it's one of the most visited destinations in Asia, drawing travelers for its wildlife, culture, food, and spiritual sites. Getting there starts with choosing the right airlines to India, commercial carriers that connect global cities to Indian hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Not all airlines are the same—some offer direct flights, better legroom, or lower prices, while others might require long layovers in Dubai, Doha, or Frankfurt.

Major international carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad fly into India daily from North America, Europe, and Australia. They often win for comfort and service, but they’re not always the cheapest. If you’re budget-conscious, airlines like Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo offer competitive fares, especially on routes from the Gulf or Southeast Asia. For travelers from the U.S., United, Delta, and American Airlines have direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai, cutting out the middleman and saving you hours. Don’t forget that airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways still dominate the Europe-to-India corridor, especially during peak season.

When you book, check where the airport is. Many tourists think they’re flying into "Delhi" but land at Indira Gandhi International, which is 16 kilometers from the city center. Others land in Bengaluru or Hyderabad and assume they’re close to Goa or Kerala—turns out, that’s a 5-hour drive. Always match your flight to your final destination. Also, watch out for baggage rules: some budget airlines charge extra for checked bags, while full-service carriers include them. If you’re carrying yoga mats, musical instruments, or gifts for family, know the limits before you pack.

Flight times matter too. A 14-hour flight from London to Mumbai lands at 3 a.m. in winter—that’s not ideal if you’re jet-lagged and need to catch a train the next morning. Morning arrivals give you the whole day to adjust. And if you’re going to Rajasthan or the Himalayas, consider flying into Jaipur or Dehradun instead of Delhi to skip the traffic.

What you’ll find below are real stories from travelers who’ve flown to India on different airlines, under different conditions, and with different goals. Some saved thousands by booking early. Others got stuck in Dubai for 18 hours because of a missed connection. One person flew Air India with a newborn and lived to tell the tale. These aren’t ads. They’re honest experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and what you should know before you book.