Global airlines prepare to gather in Delhi as India plans its biggest aviation expansion push. (Img: X)
New Delhi: More than 115 airlines from 55 countries are set to participate in Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi, bringing global aviation leaders, airport operators and industry experts under one platform.
The mega aviation summit comes as India accelerates its ambition to become the world’s third-largest aviation market, with the government focusing on expanding air connectivity, increasing airport capacity and attracting international airlines.
Routes Asia 2027 will be held from March 16 to 18 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi.
The event is expected to bring together key decision-makers from airlines, airports, tourism destinations and aviation stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region.
According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, more than 115 airlines and representatives from over 55 countries will participate in the summit, along with thousands of industry interactions aimed at shaping future air routes.
The event is expected to include more than 2,500 face-to-face meetings between airlines, airports and aviation companies to explore new connectivity opportunities.
Addressing the curtain-raiser event for Routes Asia 2027, Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted India’s growing position in the global aviation sector.
He said India has already emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market and the government’s larger objective is to make the country the third-largest aviation market globally.
The minister said stronger connectivity, new routes and increased airline participation will play a crucial role in achieving this target.
The summit is being organised at a time when India’s aviation industry is witnessing rapid expansion driven by rising passenger demand, growing middle-class travel and increased regional connectivity.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has set an ambitious long-term target of expanding India’s aviation ecosystem by 2047.
The government aims to increase annual passenger numbers nearly six times from the current level of around 24 crore passengers to nearly 130 crore.
Along with passenger growth, India is also planning a major expansion of airport infrastructure.
The number of operational airports is expected to rise from around 165 to nearly 400, creating a wider aviation network connecting smaller cities with major domestic and international destinations.
The government believes Routes Asia 2027 will create opportunities for new airline partnerships, additional flight routes and stronger regional connectivity.
With India becoming one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, airlines are increasingly looking at expanding operations in Indian cities.
The summit is expected to provide a platform where airports, airlines and tourism authorities can discuss route development strategies and future aviation opportunities.
Officials believe improved connectivity will support trade, tourism, business travel and regional economic growth.
The aviation sector has become a key part of India’s economic growth story.
A stronger air network can improve access to emerging cities, support tourism industries and create new opportunities for businesses and travellers.
The government’s focus is not limited to increasing passenger numbers but also developing infrastructure, improving regional connectivity and positioning India as a major aviation hub.
The upcoming summit is expected to highlight India’s growing role in the Asia-Pacific aviation landscape.
The participation of airlines and aviation stakeholders from dozens of countries reflects increasing global interest in India’s aviation market.
As passenger demand continues to rise, airlines are exploring new routes and partnerships to connect Indian cities with international destinations.
The government sees global aviation events like Routes Asia 2027 as an opportunity to showcase India’s infrastructure capabilities and future growth potential.
