Additionally, new entrants like Akasa and other international airlines operating in the country have altered travel patterns, reducing the need for stopovers at hub airports. This insight comes from the UK-based air consultancy firm OAG, which compared data from pre-COVID-19 in 2019 with that of 2023.
In 2023, India’s international air traffic stood at around 6.5 crore, marginally lower by 6 lakh compared to 2019. Notably, 3.7 crore passengers traveled non-stop, an increase of 20 lakh from 2019. In contrast, the number of passengers making indirect trips dropped by 25 lakh, totaling 2.7 crore. This shift reflects a rise in the proportion of direct travelers, climbing from 54% to 57%. Additionally, 10 lakh passengers utilized Indian hubs for transfers, such as those traveling between Kathmandu and New York via Delhi.
Direct flights have become more accessible with more countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, now offering direct routes to and from India. The necessity for one-stop flights has diminished unless travelers specifically opt for them.
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OAG’s analysis indicates a noticeable decrease in traffic through traditional hubs, particularly in the Middle East, which saw a reduction of 10 lakh indirect passengers from 2019 to 2023. Other international hubs lost 28 lakh indirect passengers during this period, while Indian hubs gained 10 lakh indirect passengers. Over these four years, Indian airlines have introduced 52 new international routes.
Since 2014, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi, has maintained a conservative approach to increasing bilaterals, or flying rights, with foreign countries. This strategy aims to protect domestic airlines and foster the development of global hubs within India.with inputs from TOI
Read More: India sees rise in non-stop international travel, reducing reliance on global hubs