India is set to host Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi from March 16 to 18, with the three-day aviation event scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will host the 24th edition of the regional route development forum.
The curtain raiser for Routes Asia 2027 was unveiled in New Delhi on September 29, bringing together representatives from 28 embassies and aviation industry stakeholders. The event highlighted the opportunities for airlines, airports, tourism authorities and destinations to strengthen connectivity and develop new air routes across Asia and beyond.
The event is expected to attract more than 115 airlines and representatives from more than 55 countries, alongside airports, tourism authorities and other aviation stakeholders. More than 2,000 delegates are expected to attend, including senior decision-makers from across the aviation and tourism sectors.
Unveiling the curtain-raiser plaque, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu presented India’s vision for the event under the theme “Bharat Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia & Beyond.” He highlighted the need for additional airline capacity, new routes and stronger connectivity as India continues to expand its aviation infrastructure.
“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,” Naidu said.
The Minister said India is working towards becoming the world’s third-largest aviation market and noted the country’s expanding airport network. According to the government, India currently has more than 166 airports and plans to develop another 100 over the next decade. Naidu also highlighted the potential of hub-and-spoke connectivity to link more Indian cities with domestic and international markets.
He further pointed to opportunities arising from India’s growing aviation engagement with Southeast Asia and stressed the importance of improving connectivity to Tier-II cities, strengthening international hubs and developing new routes.
Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, underlined aviation’s wider role in connecting people and markets, facilitating trade and supporting economic activity. He also highlighted the importance of making international travel more accessible while strengthening partnerships across India’s aviation ecosystem.
Routes Asia 2027 will provide a platform for airlines, airports and destinations to hold face-to-face meetings, explore new route opportunities and develop network strategies. The official Routes programme includes conference sessions, airline meetings and dedicated networking opportunities focused on the future of air service development in the Asia-Pacific region.
India formally assumed hosting responsibilities for Routes Asia 2027 from China West Airport Group at the conclusion of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, with AAI receiving the hosting baton in April 2026.
With New Delhi serving as the host city, Routes Asia 2027 is expected to bring together aviation and tourism stakeholders to discuss route development, network expansion and opportunities to strengthen connectivity between India, the wider Asia-Pacific region and international markets.
