India Showcases Aviation Growth Ahead Of Routes Asia 2027

Airports Authority of India officially assumed hosting duties for Routes Asia 2027 during a handover ceremony in Xi'an. Routes spoke with the host team about India's aviation momentum and how the event is expected to support the country's connectivity ambitions.

New Delhi blends thousands of years of history with one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. Backed by record aircraft orders and major airport investment, India's aviation sector is expanding rapidly as rising demand from a growing middle class reshapes domestic and international travel.

Following the handover ceremony at Routes Asia 2026, Airports Authority of India Chairman Vipin Kumar highlighted the country's ambitious long-term airport expansion plans, pointing to rapid growth over the past decade and further investment through 2047.

“In 2014, the number of airports in India was just 74, and today, under the visionary leadership of honorable prime minister, it is more than 165, more than double. In the next 5 years we are going to grow by 50 airports, and by 2047 it will be 350 airports.”

Served by more than 60 domestic and international airlines, India has established itself as one of South Asia's leading aviation markets. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the country welcomed 20 million international visitors in 2024, underscoring its growing importance as a global tourism destination.

Airports Authority of India also recorded strong passenger growth across its airport network, with annual traffic rising from 210 million to 370 million in 2025. Kumar said the combination of expanding demand and long-term growth potential made it the right time for India to host Routes Asia.

“The expansion of aviation is not just the creation of airports or routes, it is the total change of economy, geography, industrial expansion and direct/indirect benefits to the society,” he explained “The GDP also grows along with the airports. This [hosting Routes Asia] will be a booster for the growth of the economy, of our country and those countries that our people will visit.”

Routes Asia 2027 will be hosted by Airports Authority of India on 16-18 March, where the route development community from across the Asia Pacific will come together to shape and grow the region’s aviation landscape.