Amidst burgeoning anticipation, global airlines are eagerly expanding their operations in India, foreseeing the country’s emergence as a key travel hub in the next decade. At a recent gathering of industry leaders in Dubai, India took center stage, showcasing its robust domestic and international air travel sectors.
According to government data, India’s domestic air travel market is poised to double to a staggering 300 million passengers from the previous record of 152 million in 2023. Similarly, international traffic is expected to surge, with estimates from aviation research group CAPA India projecting a jump to 160 million passengers by 2030 from 64 million in the previous year.
In response to this promising outlook, Turkish Airlines is considering new flights connecting its southern hub of Antalya with India, as revealed by Chairman Ahmet Bolat at The International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit. Similarly, Wizz Air aims to inaugurate its maiden flights to India next year, signaling growing interest from global carriers.
The bullish projections have prompted major Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Tata Group’s Air India to place record orders for hundreds of new aircraft, anticipating robust growth in the market. India’s total aircraft fleet is forecasted to surpass 1,500 by 2030, attracting considerable attention from aircraft lessors keen on capitalizing on the country’s burgeoning aviation sector.
With the government’s commitment to investing approximately $12 billion in new and upgraded airports, India’s ascendance in the global aviation arena is inevitable. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, remarked on India’s growing prominence on the world stage, underscoring the country’s significant potential for growth.
However, amidst the excitement, some international airlines express frustration over limited market access in India. Emirates and Turkish Airlines advocate for increased flight capacity rights, yet Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration prioritizes domestic carriers, sparking debate over the balance between safeguarding the economy and regulating foreign access.
Despite challenges, India’s travel boom is expected to be propelled by its vast diaspora and a burgeoning cohort of young, affluent travelers. Independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie predicts a decade of unprecedented growth for India, akin to the travel surge witnessed by China prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, solidifying India’s position as a key player in the global aviation landscape.