US-Iran war hits Indian carriers harder as international passenger traffic falls 26% NEW DELHI: The US-Iran war's impact on international air travel globally has, from an Indian perspective, hit homegrown carriers harder than foreign ones. 7 crore during April-June, the traditional peak summer quarter, Indian carriers saw a sharp 26% decline in their international carriage while foreign players registered an increase, according to DGCA data released Thursday.

8 lakh in the corresponding period last year. 5 lakh.

The conflict was yet another blow to Indian carriers that have been reeling under the impact of Pakistan airspace closure since last April which has impacted flights between north India, with Delhi the biggest hub for Air India and IndiGo, and the West. 2 crore in JulyAir India Group (AI and AI Express) saw its international carriage drop 35% due to reduction in overseas fli-ghts since the air crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025.

5 lakh in April-June 2025. On the other hand, with no Pakistan hurdle and spare capacity as their West Asia operations have been curtailed by the war, some western carriers, led by Lufthansa, SWISS and British Airways, have increased their India flights.

5 lakh a year ago. 1 lakh in April-June 2025.