About flights to India
India pulls in an interesting mix. You've got the diaspora flying home — a huge chunk of those 73 routes from the UAE alone are connecting South Asian expats back to families they haven't seen in months. Then there's the backpacker crowd, the yoga retreat seekers, the business travelers landing in Bengaluru for tech meetings. With 400 non-stop international routes feeding into the country, the flight options have gotten genuinely good. India isn't a detour anymore. For a lot of long-term nomads I've met, it's a base.
Why visit India?
The geography alone makes a strong case. You can spend a week in the Himalayas, two weeks on the Kerala coast, and still feel like you've barely scratched it. For remote workers, Bengaluru and Hyderabad offer serious infrastructure — coworking spaces, reliable power, a tech culture that makes the city feel familiar even when everything else doesn't. Business travelers have been flooding in for years. Spiritually-minded travelers keep coming back for Varanasi, Rishikesh, Rajasthan. Then there's the food, which I'd honestly fly for on its own. Seasonality matters here too — October through March is when most of the country becomes genuinely comfortable to move around in.
Where flights to India land
- DEL Delhi — 162 non-stop destinations (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
- BOM Mumbai — 126 non-stop destinations (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport)
- BLR Bengaluru — 108 non-stop destinations (Kempegowda International Airport)
- HYD Hyderabad — 98 non-stop destinations (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport)
- CCU Kolkata — 69 non-stop destinations (Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intl Airport)
Top origin countries flying to India
Where most of India's incoming traffic comes from:
- United Arab Emirates — 73 non-stop routes into India
- Thailand — 35 non-stop routes into India
- Saudi Arabia — 32 non-stop routes into India
- Singapore — 16 non-stop routes into India
- Oman — 16 non-stop routes into India
- Malaysia — 15 non-stop routes into India
- Qatar — 15 non-stop routes into India
- Sri Lanka — 13 non-stop routes into India
Tips for travelers heading to India
DEL is your best bet if you're starting in the north or want maximum onward connections — 162 non-stop destinations feed into Indira Gandhi International, which makes it the easiest entry point for most itineraries. Flying into BLR makes sense if you're heading south or doing a Karnataka loop. Get your e-visa sorted before you land — it's straightforward online but don't leave it last minute. Carry some cash for arrival, since smaller cities still run on rupees. Flying in from Singapore or the Gulf tends to be cheaper than transatlantic, so routing through there can cut costs significantly.
Frequently asked questions about flying to India
What's the busiest international airport in India?
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi is India's top arrival hub for international flights. It handles the majority of the 400 inbound international routes connecting India to the rest of the world.
Which country sends the most flights to India?
The United Arab Emirates is the leading origin country for international flights to India, followed by Thailand and Saudi Arabia. These three countries account for a major portion of India's inbound international air traffic.
What's the best month to visit India?
October to March is ideal for visiting India, offering pleasant weather, lower humidity, and fewer monsoons across most regions. This period also coincides with major festivals and typically features competitive airfare prices compared to peak summer months.
What do I need to know about visas for visiting India?
Most international visitors require a visa to enter India, which can be obtained through the Indian embassy or via the e-Visa program for eligible nationalities. Processing times and requirements vary by country, so check the official Indian government visa portal for your specific citizenship.
What's the cheapest way to find flights to India?
Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to compare fares across airlines, and consider booking 2-3 months in advance for better prices. Flying during off-peak months (April-September) and being flexible with your travel dates can also help you find the most affordable options.