India’s private aviation market is soaring, driven by a blend of luxury, convenience, and growing accessibility. Once the preserve of industrialists and film stars, private jets are now attracting startup founders, corporate boards, and even destination wedding parties. This growth is attributed to rising demand for regional connectivity, increasing corporate travel budgets, and a growing preference among high net worth individuals (HNI) for flexibility and convenience.
From JetSetGo’s app-based ‘Uber for jets’ model to Taj Air’s flying boardrooms, the sector spans luxury-centric operators, tech disruptors, and niche helicopter services. Costs range from around Rs 150,000 an hour for turboprops to Rs 17 lakh for premium jets, with empty-leg deals cutting prices by up to 80%. When you book a private jet — whether it’s Rs 15 lakh or Rs 50 lakh — you’re essentially hiring the entire aircraft, not buying individual seats. That means the price covers the whole plane, its crew, fuel, and operating costs for that trip, regardless of whether you’re the only passenger or travelling with several companions. Most jets have seating capacity ranging from 4–8 passengers for light jets, up to 12–16 for larger models. So whether a Rs 15 lakh flight carries one person or a small group, the cost remains the same, making it more cost-effective if split amongst multiple travellers.
The appeal of private travel lies in flexibility: flights run on your schedule, often from smaller, closer airports, with minimal check-in times, exclusive terminals, and tailored onboard service. There’s a huge difference between flying commercial and flying private. “When you’re flying commercial, the departure date, time, and schedule are fixed. You work around the airline’s timetable. But with a private jet, you’re essentially buying your own time, says Shaniil Rakesh Desai, founder of JetFleet Aviation, an India-based private aviation company offering comprehensive on-demand charter services, including private jets, helicopters, air ambulances, and yachts. “You can decide exactly when you want to fly, and the aircraft will be ready for you. For example, on a private jet, you can visit three or four cities in a single day, attend meetings in each, and still be back home in time for dinner with your family. Doing that on a commercial airline would likely take you three to four days because you’re bound by their schedules and the availability of routes.”
When flying commercial, you must arrive two hours before departure while you can show up 15 minutes before departure for a private charter. Boarding passes and luggage are handled in advance. Private terminals offer VIP lounges, conference rooms, and onboard privacy for meetings at 45,000 feet. Departure times can be adjusted, even last-minute, to fit changes in schedule.
The private aviation market in India is booming under the radar, so to speak. According to latest data from market research agency TechSci Research: “As of 2024, India has emerged as the third-largest business jet market in the Asia-Pacific region, with an estimated fleet of over 160 to 200 private jets. The growth trajectory has been remarkable, with the number of jets increasing by nearly 25% since 2019…. The Indian charter aviation industry, covering non-scheduled flights and private jet travel, is currently valued at around $650.5 million (approximately Rs 5,400 crore).”
Ahmedabad-based Dunes Air recently also entered the premium air charter market, targeting business executives, HNIs, and luxury travellers. In March 2025, EaseMyTrip.com acquired a 49% stake in Big Charter Pvt Ltd, marking its foray into the charter aviation business to meet rising corporate and HNI demand for private flights. In November 2024, Gurugram’s Sirius India Airlines, launched in partnership with Dubai’s Transworld Group, announced plans to raise $100 million via debt and strategic investments to expand its fleet and operations in corporate and lifestyle segments. In April 2024, MakeMyTrip introduced a weekly charter service between Mumbai and Bhutan, packaged within its holiday offerings, aimed at niche luxury leisure travellers.
All this is in addition to existing Indian private charter players — from luxury-centric providers like Taj Air and Club One Air, to tech-enabled disruptors like JetSetGo, alongside specialised helicopter firms like Heligo and infrastructural heavyweights like GMR Aviation. While well-known brands like Air Charter Services and JetSetGo dominate nationwide coverage, emerging entrants such as Dunes Air are looking to dominate regional routes. Meanwhile, operators like Blue Dart and IndiGo wield influence through logistics capacity and airspace leadership, shaping the backdrop against which private aviation evolves in India.
“India is now the fastest-growing private jet market worldwide, even surpassing China in flight volumes,” says Sarthak Ahuja, an investment banker. “Indians are buying the more economical models – modestly priced jets at an average price of Rs 100 crore, while the wealthy in China go for the more expensive jets in general. ??China also has a high-speed rail network that India lacks, so when bullet trains are unavailable, the need for jets rises for faster commute across cities.”
Private jet travel appeals to those who see time as their most valuable currency. The need could vary from corporate efficiency, personal milestones, or urgent medical needs. It is especially indispensable in high-stakes scenarios such as medical evacuations, where speed can be life-saving.
Medical evacuation is one of the fastest-growing — and most critical — applications of private aviation. As JetFleet’s Desai explains, the company can deploy a domestic medevac in under two hours, whether it’s to transfer a patient, rush a donated organ, or even transport mortal remains. In India, two aircraft types dominate this space: turboprops, which are slower but can land on small airstrips in Tier-III and Tier-IV cities (India has 500+ airstrips, but only about 140 see commercial airline service), and jets, which are faster and ideal for long distances or time-sensitive emergencies, though they require full-length runways at major airports.
Costs for medical emergencies can vary widely. A domestic turboprop evacuation might run Rs 5.5 lakh for Kolhapur–Mumbai or Rs 10 lakh for Chennai–Mumbai. Jets for the same routes cost about Rs 10 lakh and Rs 18 lakh, respectively. An international jet flight like Mumbai–Dubai starts at Rs 32 lakh, while Mumbai–London can set you back by as much as Rs 1.10 crore. These rates, subject to aircraft availability, typically include an onboard medical team and ICCU setup tailored to the patient’s needs. International transfers, such as from Medanta to London or Singapore, are quoted individually after assessing medical requirements, route, and clearances.
However, paperwork is critical and includes the patient’s medical summary, fit-to-fly certificate from the treating doctor, proof of no contagious infection, and valid IDs for the patient and companions. In high-stakes cases like organ transfers or severe trauma, this speed, flexibility, and access to otherwise unreachable airstrips can be life-saving.
Select Wisely
Private jet travel in India blends time efficiency with luxury, offering a highly personalized experience for those who can afford it. Choosing a trusted service provider is key, with many offering easy online booking platforms to browse aircraft options, from light jets for short hops to heavy jets for long-haul trips. Costs depend on aircraft type, distance, duration, and extras, so a detailed quote is essential, along with clarity on added charges like landing fees, catering, and ground transport.
Frequent flyers may benefit from membership plans with priority access and discounts. Flexibility is a major perk—flights can be scheduled entirely around your needs, while operators handle all the paperwork and permits. Safety remains paramount, so selecting a company with strong maintenance and compliance records is critical. Ultimately, private jetting isn’t just about reaching your destination: it’s about enjoying the journey and arriving relaxed, refreshed, and in style.
