Where India’s charter operators are based: city and state guide

A charter is cheapest when the aircraft is already near you. Knowing where operators are based helps you understand quotes.

Private aviationBy AIR BITOLA6 min read

Charter aircraft are spread unevenly across India. That affects price, because when the nearest aircraft is far away, its empty flight to reach you is usually added to the quote. Here is where permit holders list their address in DGCA’s list of non-scheduled operators.

By state

By city

Delhi (41) and Mumbai (23) dominate, followed by Pune and Ahmedabad (10 each), Bengaluru (9), Gurugram and Hyderabad (8 each), Kolkata (5), Chennai (4) and Surat (3). Delhi-registered operators also hold the most business jets, 62 of 150.

State and city counts use the address each operator gives in DGCA’s list. Aircraft often fly from other bases, so read these as where companies are registered, not where every aircraft is parked.

Why it matters for your price

If you fly from Delhi or Mumbai, many aircraft are close and quotes compete. From a smaller city, the aircraft may have to fly in empty and fly home empty, and you usually pay for both. BookAir explains positioning costs and one-way versus return pricing.

Empty legs are the flip side: aircraft flying home empty after someone else’s trip, sold for less. See current empty legs or follow the WhatsApp channel.

City guides on BookAir

Search every operator by state in our charter directory, or request a quote.

Common questions

Which city has the most private jet operators in India?

Delhi, with 41 of the 139 Non-Scheduled Operator Permit holders in DGCA’s list as on 31 August 2026, followed by Mumbai with 23.

Why is charter more expensive from smaller cities?

Because the aircraft often has to fly in empty to collect you and fly back empty, and those positioning flights are usually included in the price.

How can I fly private for less?

Look for empty legs, which are one-way flights an aircraft has to make anyway, offered below the usual charter price.

Sources

General information, checked against the sources above on the date published. It is not legal, regulatory or medical advice. Rules change, so confirm with DGCA or the relevant authority before acting.