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India Leads The Charge With A Surge In Non-Stop International Travel
India’s aviation sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a growing number of passengers now choosing direct flights between the country and international destinations. This shift is largely driven by the expanding presence of domestic airlines such as IndiGo and the Air India Group, now under the ownership of Tata. As these carriers increase their international routes, they offer passengers more convenience, reducing reliance on indirect connections through foreign hubs.The entry of newer players like Akasa and increased operations by international airlines within India have also contributed to these evolving travel patterns. With more options for direct flights, passengers are less inclined to make stopovers at major hub airports. These trends were highlighted in an analysis by UK-based air consultancy OAG, which compared travel data from 2019, prior to the pandemic, with figures from 2023.
In 2023, the total international air traffic to and from India reached approximately 6.5 crore passengers. Although this represents a slight decline of 6 lakh compared to 2019, the number of travelers opting for direct flights saw a notable increase. Around 3.7 crore passengers chose to fly non-stop, which is 20 lakh more than in 2019. In contrast, the number of passengers taking indirect flights decreased significantly, dropping by 25 lakh to 2.7 crore.
This growing preference for direct flights is reflected in a rising percentage of non-stop travelers, which jumped from 54% in 2019 to 57% in 2023. Additionally, 10 lakh passengers utilized Indian airports as transfer points, for example, flying between cities like Kathmandu and New York with a connection in Delhi. This underscores India’s emerging role as a hub for international air travel, especially within the region.
These changes signal a broader trend towards efficiency and convenience in air travel, as more passengers seek faster, hassle-free journeys. With India’s aviation industry continuing to grow and adapt to passenger needs, the future looks promising for further increases in direct flights and streamlined travel experiences.
The accessibility of direct flights to and from India has significantly improved, with countries like Vietnam and Indonesia now offering more direct routes. This expansion in flight options has made long-haul travel more convenient for passengers, reducing the need for one-stop connections through intermediate hubs unless chosen for specific reasons.
As a result, the reliance on one-stop flights has greatly diminished, providing travelers with faster and more efficient options. With the increase in direct international connections, passengers can now reach their destinations more quickly, further enhancing the appeal of direct flights over traditional layover routes.
According to OAG’s analysis, there has been a significant decline in traffic passing through traditional hub airports, especially in the Middle East, which saw a decrease of 10 lakh indirect passengers between 2019 and 2023. Other global hub airports experienced an even greater drop, losing 28 lakh indirect travelers during the same timeframe. Meanwhile, Indian hubs recorded an increase of 10 lakh indirect passengers. Over the past four years, Indian airlines have responded to this shift by launching 52 new international routes, further enhancing direct travel options.
Since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Indian government has adopted a cautious stance on expanding bilateral air service agreements with foreign nations. This policy is designed to safeguard the interests of domestic airlines while also encouraging the growth of international aviation hubs within India.
Source: Travel And Tour World
