New Delhi will host Routes Asia 2027 from 16 to 18 March, bringing together airline and airport decision-makers to shape air route networks across the Asia-Pacific region. The Airports Authority of India officially accepted hosting responsibilities from China West Airport Group at the Routes Asia 2026 closing ceremony.
The annual event is expected to welcome vice presidents and heads of network planning from more than 115 airlines. More than half of the world’s new air services can be traced back to meetings held at Routes events.
India’s aviation market is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by record-breaking aircraft orders and major infrastructure investment. Rising demand from a growing middle class is reshaping both domestic and international travel, while strategic investment and progressive policies are accelerating growth across the sector.
The country is currently served by more than 60 international and domestic carriers and welcomed 20 million international visitors in 2024, according to a World Travel and Tourism Council study. That figure represents 2.3 million more arrivals than in 2019, reaffirming India’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
India has more than doubled its number of operational airports over the past decade, growing from 74 in 2014 to more than 160 today. The government has set an ambitious target to build 350 airports by 2047, of which 34 will function as mega airports.
Routes Asia 2026 drew a record attendance of more than 1,200 delegates. 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 role 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.”
Kumar added: “Let’s forge new pathways, strengthen partnerships and ignite the passion of our youth to shape the future of civil aviation.”
