New airports in Hisar, Amravati, Purnia and Rupsi added to winter schedule 2025: Ministry of Civil Aviation

India’s domestic aviation network is set to expand further this winter, with new airports at Hisar, Amravati, Purnia and Rupsi joining the operational map under the Winter Schedule 2025 (WS25).

The latest schedule, effective from October 26, 2025 to March 28, 2026, proposes a 5.95 per cent rise in weekly departures compared to last year’s winter schedule.

According to data, a total of 26,495 weekly departures have been approved to and from 126 airports across the country. In comparison, the Summer Schedule 2025 (SS25) operated 25,610 weekly departures from 129 airports.

While new airports such as Hisar and Amravati mark an expansion of regional connectivity, operations have been suspended at Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong and Shravasti airports this season.

Among major carriers, IndiGo continues to dominate with 15,014 departures per week, registering a 6.05 per cent increase over the summer schedule, followed by Air India at 4,277 and AI Express at 3,171. SpiceJet also recorded a strong 26.45 per cent surge, while Star Air saw a 6.53 per cent rise in its weekly flights.

Smaller regional airlines displayed mixed trends. Fly91 posted an impressive 59.35 per cent growth in weekly departures, while Fly Big’s operations dropped by over 67 per cent.

Comparing year-on-year performance, the total weekly departures under WS25 represent a 5.95 per cent increase over WS24. Star Air expanded its operations by nearly 50 per cent, and AI Express and SpiceJet posted gains of 11.97 per cent and 20.89 per cent respectively.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the updated schedule reflects airlines’ growing focus on regional expansion and improved connectivity across Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The additions of Hisar, Amravati, Purnia and Rupsi are expected to boost accessibility and economic activity in their respective regions.