Indian Airlines
Indian was the government-owned domestic carrier that served as one of India’s primary full-service airlines for domestic and nearby regional routes; from a traveler perspective it functioned as a legacy full-service operator rather than a low-cost carrier. Its network focused on connecting cities across India with frequent point-to-point services and some short international sectors to neighboring countries.
The airline operated as a domestic workhorse with standard onboard service for short and medium sectors; it was not positioned as an international long-haul specialist or as a global alliance member.
Where Indian Airlines Flew
Indian concentrated on domestic scheduled services across India, operating many flights out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and serving key metropolitan and regional airports nationwide. The carrier also operated a limited number of regional international services to nearby countries. Route reach was principally domestic point-to-point flying rather than long-haul international networks.
Hubs
Aircraft and Cabin Classes
Indian operated a historical mixed fleet that reflected its long-running domestic role: early piston and turboprop types (Douglas DC-2/DC-3/DC-4, de Havilland DH.114 Heron, Vickers Viking, Vickers Viscount 700, Fokker F27 Friendship, Dornier 228, Hawker Siddeley HS 748) and later jet equipment including the Sud Aviation Caravelle and Airbus A300. From a traveler perspective, most services were flown with narrowbody or short/medium-haul turboprops suited to domestic routes, while larger jets were used on higher-capacity or longer sectors.
Cabin layouts were generally focused on economy seating for domestic flights; on some larger aircraft or select routes the airline used a two-class layout with a front/business cabin, but there was no single, consistently marketed multi-class product across the network.
Aircraft types operated: Douglas DC-2, Douglas DC-3, Douglas DC-4, de Havilland DH.114 Heron, Vickers Viking, Vickers Viscount 700, Fokker F27 Friendship, Sud Aviation Caravelle, Dornier 228, Hawker Siddeley HS 748, Airbus A300
Tips for Flying Indian Airlines
- Confirm the checked-baggage allowance on your ticket before travel, as domestic and regional allowances can differ from international rules.
- Book early to secure preferred seats, especially on peak routes, since standard economy seating is the norm on most aircraft.
- Allow extra time for check-in and security at major Indian airports such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM) during busy hours.
- For any regional international sectors, check passport and visa requirements well before travel; documentation rules differ from domestic flights.