There Is Room for More Capacity, Airlines and Routes: Naidu

• Routes Asia 2027 to be held in New Delhi from March 16–18.
• More than 115 airlines and stakeholders from 55+ countries expected.
• India currently has over 166 airports and plans 100 more.
• Event will focus on new routes and stronger regional connectivity.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th Sept: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday unveiled the curtain raiser for Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi, formally beginning India’s preparations to host the major international aviation event.

The 23rd edition of Routes Asia will be held from March 16 to 18, 2027, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The curtain-raiser event was attended by representatives from 28 embassies and leading aviation stakeholders, highlighting international interest in the upcoming event.

Presenting India’s vision for Routes Asia 2027 under the theme “Bharat Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia & Beyond,” Naidu highlighted the expansion of the country’s aviation sector.

“Routes Asia 2027 is coming to the right place, at the right time, with the right opportunity! There is room for more capacity, more airlines and more routes,” the Minister said.

According to the ministry, India currently has more than 166 airports and plans to develop 100 additional airports over the next decade.

Naidu highlighted the growing relevance of the hub-and-spoke model in connecting more cities with emerging markets and creating opportunities for airlines, tourism and economic activity.

Routes Asia 2027 is expected to bring together more than 115 leading airlines, representatives from 55-plus countries, airports, tourism authorities and other aviation stakeholders from across Asia and beyond.

The event is also expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates, including decision-makers from leading airlines, airports and tourism authorities.

The platform will focus on partnerships, route development and opportunities to strengthen air connectivity between India, Asia and other international markets.

India formally assumed hosting responsibilities for Routes Asia 2027 from China West Airport Group during the closing ceremony of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, China, in April 2026.

The Airports Authority of India received the hosting baton for the 2027 edition.

The upcoming event is expected to provide a platform for airlines, airports and tourism authorities to explore new routes and strengthen existing aviation partnerships.

Naidu highlighted India’s bilateral aviation engagements, particularly with Southeast Asian countries, and the continued expansion of international air travel.

He noted that passenger traffic has recorded a compound annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent.

The Minister also invited the global aviation community to participate in Routes Asia 2027 and explore India’s destinations and expanding aviation opportunities.

He stressed the importance of connecting Tier-II cities, strengthening international hubs and developing new routes to support the next phase of India’s aviation growth.

Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, said aviation plays a transformative role in connecting people, facilitating trade and creating economic opportunities.

He emphasised the importance of making international travel increasingly accessible and seamless for both tourism and business, while highlighting partnerships and route development as important components of India’s aviation ecosystem.

Routes Asia 2027 is expected to serve as a platform for strengthening aviation partnerships, developing new air routes and showcasing India’s growing connectivity opportunities.

The event is aligned with India’s stated vision of inclusive growth, international collaboration and Viksit Bharat 2047.