India Unveils Curtain Raiser for Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu unveiled the Curtain Raiser for Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi, setting the stage for India's hosting of the international aviation route-development event. Representatives from 28 embassies and leading aviation stakeholders attended the ceremony.

The 24th edition of Routes Asia will be held from 16 to 18 March 2027 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. More than 115 airlines, participants from over 55 countries, airports, tourism authorities and other aviation stakeholders from Asia and beyond are expected to take part. The event is projected to draw over 2,000 delegates, including decision-makers from airlines, airports and tourism bodies.

While unveiling the curtain raiser plaque, Naidu presented India's vision under the theme "Bharat Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia & Beyond." He said the event arrives at an opportune moment as India moves towards becoming the world's third-largest aviation market. "Routes Asia 2027 is coming to the right place, at the right time, with the right opportunity! There is room for more capacity, more airlines and more routes," he said.

The Minister pointed to India's network of more than 166 airports and plans to develop 100 additional airports over the next decade. He emphasised the role of the hub-and-spoke model in linking more cities and people with emerging markets, creating opportunities for airlines, tourism and economic growth. He also noted India's active bilateral aviation engagements, particularly with Southeast Asian countries, and the continued expansion of international air travel, with passenger traffic recording a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%.

Naidu invited the global aviation community to participate in Routes Asia 2027 and explore India's destinations and expanding aviation opportunities. He stressed the importance of collective stakeholder efforts in connecting Tier-II cities, strengthening international hubs and developing new routes.

Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha, addressed the gathering and highlighted aviation's role in connecting people, facilitating trade and creating economic opportunities. He said international travel should become increasingly accessible and seamless for tourism and business, and underscored the importance of partnerships and route development in strengthening India's aviation ecosystem.

India formally assumed hosting responsibilities for Routes Asia 2027 from China West Airport Group during the closing ceremony of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi'an, China, in April 2026, with the Airports Authority of India receiving the hosting baton. The event is positioned as a platform for strengthening partnerships, developing new air routes and presenting India as an aviation and connectivity destination, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.