IndiGo has been recognized as the "2024 Airline of the Year" by the Centre for Aviation (CAPA) at the 2024 Global Aviation Awards for Excellence. This accolade highlights outstanding achievements in aviation strategy and operations, focusing on airlines and airports that successfully navigate industry changes.

The award acknowledges IndiGo's significant role in advancing commercial aviation in India. CAPA praised the airline's strategic initiatives to boost international connectivity and its commitment to sustainability. IndiGo’s impressive expansion was described as a transformative influence on India's domestic aviation, with the airline establishing the nation's largest network and making affordable air travel accessible to regions that were previously underserved.

The award ceremony took place at the CAPA Airlines Leader Summit in Belgrade, Serbia, on November 21, 2024. Neha Narain, Vice President of Strategy and CEO’s Office, accepted the honor on behalf of IndiGo.

“It’s a real honour to receive CAPA’s prestigious ‘Airline of the Year’ award. IndiGo’s journey since inception, just 18 years ago, has been nothing short of incredible. To receive this award, amidst some of the world’s biggest and brightest airlines, is truly encouraging and a source of pride,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo.

Elbers emphasized that IndiGo’s mission, 'Giving wings to the nation,' has been central to its strategy, as the airline serves over 100 million passengers annually, including many first-time travelers. He noted that while IndiGo remains rooted in India, it is also expanding its reach on a global scale.

Simon Elsegood, Head of Research at CAPA, said, "It is CAPA's honour to announce IndiGo Airlines as the CAPA Airline of the Year. The impact of IndiGo's bringing accessible air travel to millions cannot be understated. With ambitions to lead Indian aviation and extensive plans already in place, the future for the airline could hardly be brighter."

India's aviation market is currently the third-largest domestic market in the world, yet it faces unique challenges. Despite its size, the sector is largely dominated by two major players, which together hold over 90% of the market share.

Domestic air traffic rose by 15% in FY24, reaching 376 million, and CAPA India forecasts a further growth of 6-8% in the current financial year.

IndiGo commanded a market share of 63% in September 2024, while the Air India Group, which includes Air India, AIX Connect, and Vistara, accounted for 29.2%. Smaller carriers, such as Akasa Air and SpiceJet, held a combined market share of 6.4%. With Vistara’s merger into the Air India Group, the number of full-service airlines in India has decreased from five to just one over the past 17 years. Moreover, in the last 12 years, three Indian airlines—Kingfisher, Jet Airways, and Go First—have ceased operations.

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