Introduction
Passengers on Indian domestic flights have increasingly found themselves stranded in a digital desert, unable to access the internet mid‑air. The issue surfaced when senior politician Marri Shashidhar Reddy (commonly known as Maran) publicly complained that travelers were being cut off from internet in flights. While airlines argue that technical constraints and security protocols limit connectivity, the Ministry of Communications maintains that comprehensive norms are under preparation. This article examines the regulatory vacuum, airline responses, passenger expectations, and the broader implications for India’s digital ecosystem.
Regulatory landscape and pending norms
The Telecom Ministry has acknowledged the gap and confirmed that a framework for in‑flight connectivity (IFC) is being drafted. The proposed rules aim to balance safety, spectrum allocation, and consumer rights. However, critics note that the drafting process has been sluggish, leaving airlines in a gray area. According to the minister’s statement, the norms will address frequency sharing, certification of equipment, and data‑privacy safeguards, but no definitive timeline has been disclosed.
Airlines’ technical and commercial challenges
Indian carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara have cited several hurdles:
- Satellite bandwidth costs remain prohibitive, especially for short‑haul routes.
- Integration of air‑to‑ground (A2G) and satellite technologies demands extensive retrofitting of aircraft.
- Regulatory uncertainty hampers investment decisions, as airlines fear non‑compliance penalties.
Despite these obstacles, a handful of premium services have launched on select international routes, hinting at a market‑driven push for broader rollout.
Passenger expectations and the digital divide
Modern travelers, accustomed to constant connectivity, view internet access as a basic amenity rather than a luxury. Surveys conducted by the Indian Consumer Forum in September 2025 reveal that 68% of frequent flyers consider in‑flight Wi‑Fi a decisive factor when choosing airlines. The lack of uniform service deepens the digital divide, especially for business professionals who rely on real‑time data during travel.
Current state of in‑flight Wi‑Fi across Indian airlines
| Airline | Wi‑Fi Availability (2025) | Technology Used |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | No (pilot on select international flights) | Satellite (Ka‑band) |
| Air India | Limited (Delhi‑London, Mumbai‑New York) | Satellite (Ku‑band) |
| Vistara | Yes (premium cabins on all long‑haul) | Hybrid A2G + Satellite |
| SpiceJet | No | — |
| GoAir | No | — |
Data reflects the status as of 18 December 2025. The table underscores the fragmented landscape, with only a few carriers offering consistent connectivity.
Future outlook and policy recommendations
Analysts suggest that a clear regulatory framework could catalyze investment, driving down costs through economies of scale. Recommendations include:
- Fast‑tracking spectrum allocation for aviation‑specific bands.
- Establishing a single‑window clearance for equipment certification.
- Mandating baseline connectivity standards for all domestic carriers within a five‑year horizon.
Such steps would align India with global best practices, where the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that over 80% of airlines worldwide now provide some form of internet service.
Conclusion
While passengers continue to experience a digital blackout at 30,000 feet, the convergence of industry pressure and governmental intent signals a turning point. The pending in‑flight connectivity norms, once enacted, could dismantle the current barriers, encouraging airlines to invest in robust Wi‑Fi solutions. Until then, the disparity among carriers will persist, leaving many Indian flyers yearning for a simple, reliable connection in the skies.
Image by: Pew Nguyen
https://www.pexels.com/@nguyendesigner
