Amid growing travel disruptions and heightened anxiety among passengers, the Union Ministry of AYUSH has launched a special yoga protocol designed to help travellers manage stress and physical discomfort during air journeys.
The “Yoga for Air Travel” protocol, a five-minute routine of simple seated yogic practices, breathing exercises and brief meditation, was unveiled during the inauguration of Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in the national capital. The event marked the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.
Air travel has increasingly become a stressful experience for many passengers due to crowded airports, flight delays, security checks and long waiting hours. Sitting for extended periods in confined spaces can also lead to muscular stiffness, poor circulation and fatigue.
Simple yoga practices can help counter both the physical strain and psychological stress associated with long flights, said Dr. Lakshmi Kandan, Assistant Professor (Yoga Therapy), Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Delhi. “Short mindfulness exercises during flights can also calm the mind and reduce anxiety.”
Anil Kaura, a Delhi-based yoga expert, welcoming the move, said controlled breathing techniques and gentle movements such as neck rotations, shoulder rolls and ankle stretches can help improve circulation and reduce stiffness while seated.
Apart from a dedicated travel yoga routine aimed at frequent flyers, the AYUSH Ministry has also launched a targeted yoga programme for elderly passengers. On the occasion, Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, inaugurated Yoga Mahotsav–2026 and launched “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups”, designed for individuals across different age groups and health conditions.
Officials said the launch of specialised protocols — including the new routine for air travellers and programmes designed for elderly people and individuals with lifestyle diseases — reflects the Ministry’s broader effort to integrate yoga into everyday life.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said yoga is not merely a lifestyle practice but a powerful discipline that promotes mental clarity, physical health and emotional balance.
“Yoga has helped millions of people maintain resilience and well-being even during challenging times such as the pandemic. These new protocols will enable people across different age groups to take responsibility for their health and improve their quality of life,” he said.
As part of the initiative, the MDNIY inked a pact with Habuild under the Yoga 365 campaign to offer free daily online yoga sessions throughout the year.
Highlighting the programme, the minister said Yoga 365 aims to help individuals adopt yoga as a daily habit and deepen engagement in the run-up to the International Day of Yoga 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary in the Ministry of AYUSH, highlighted several digital initiatives aimed at expanding access to yoga. He said the Ministry has developed an artificial intelligence-based tool through the AYUSH Grid to help practitioners correct their posture while performing yogasanas.
He also noted that yoga continues to gain popularity worldwide, with participation in International Day of Yoga events rising steadily each year. According to the Ministry, more than 26 crore people took part in IDY celebrations in 2025.
To make yoga more accessible, online courses such as the Advanced Y-Break programme have also been made available on the Karmayogi Bharat platform, where more than 10 lakh participants have already enrolled.
H.R. Nagendra, President of the S-VYASA Society, said yoga has emerged as an effective preventive and therapeutic approach for several lifestyle disorders and should be integrated more widely into public health strategies.
At the same time, Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of AYUSH, described yoga as one of India’s most significant contributions to global wellness. “Yoga represents a holistic philosophy that harmonises the mind, body and spirit,” she said.
