Routes Asia Officially Handed Over To 2027 Hosts

Routes Asia, which unites decision makers from airlines, airports and destinations to define the region’s air route networks, is heading to New Delhi, India from 16-18 March 2027.

As Routes Asia 2026 draws to a close, China West Airport Group have handed over the hosting responsibilities of the event to Airports Authority of India for 2027.

By bringing together key air service development decision-makers from across the region year after year, Routes Asia has played a significant role in shaping regional networks. More than half of the world’s new air services can be traced back to meetings held at Routes events. In 2027, Routes Asia is expected to welcome VPs and Heads of Network Planning from over 115 airlines.

Driven by record-breaking aircraft orders and major infrastructure investment, India’s aviation market is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Rising demand from a growing middle class is reshaping both domestic and international travel, driving a shift in market dynamics. Supported by strategic investment, progressive policies and a robust regulatory framework, India is on track to become one of the world’s largest aviation markets.

Currently served by more than 60 international and domestic carriers, India has established itself as a major aviation hub in South Asia. A World Travel and Tourism Council study found the country welcomed 20 million international visitors in 2024—2.3 million more than in 2019—reaffirming its position as a leading global tourism destination. India has witnessed a twofold increase in operational airports over the past decade, growing from 74 in 2014 to more than 160 to date. The government is planning to build 350 airports by 2047, of which 34 will function as mega airports.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “This year has been our biggest Routes Asia to date, with over 1,200 attendees, demonstrating Routes Asia’s pivotal role in driving air connectivity throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Small added: “Hosting Routes Asia 2027 will play a pivotal in Airports Authority of India’s future development, alongside the government’s plan to build 350 airports by 2047. With key decision makers and network planners from Asia Pacific’s route development community in attendance, including leading airlines, this is a unique platform for India to showcase themselves as a global aviation leader and further enhance its connectivity.”

Vipin Kumar, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, said: “As we take over this prestigious responsibility, India stands ready to welcome the global aviation community with renewed energy and ambition. Guided by the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi of “Viksit Bharat 2047”—a developed, self-reliant, and globally engaged India—we are transforming our aviation ecosystem into a powerful enabler of economic growth, connectivity, and inclusion. Equally, the timeless Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family—shapes our approach to global partnerships, collaboration, and shared progress.

Kumar added: “Let’s forge new pathways, strengthen partnerships and ignite the passion of our youth to shape the future of civil aviation.”