India’s Rise in Direct International Connectivity: Reducing Reliance on Global Hubs

The Indian aviation sector is undergoing a noticeable transformation as international travelers are increasingly opting for non-stop flights over the once-preferred one-stop journeys through global hubs. This shift has significant implications for both the domestic aviation market and India’s broader ambitions to strengthen its position as a major player in global aviation. The trend is driven by increased services from Indian airlines, growing international connectivity, and a deliberate strategy by the Indian government to promote domestic airlines and reduce reliance on foreign aviation hubs.?

Expanding International Connectivity: The Numbers Tell the Story?

India’s international air traffic saw significant changes between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a shift in travel preferences. According to a report by air consultancy firm OAG, approximately 6.5 crore (65 million) passengers flew internationally from India in 2023. While this number is marginally lower by 6 lakhs compared to the pre-COVID-19 levels of 2019, the more notable shift was in the preference for non-stop international flights.?

In 2023, 3.7 crore (37 million) passengers opted for direct flights, an increase of 20 lakh over 2019, demonstrating a clear preference for uninterrupted travel. Meanwhile, passengers traveling via global hubs dropped by 25 lakhs, reducing the total of indirect travelers to 2.7 crore (27 million). This trend increased the proportion of direct travelers from 54% to 57%, signaling a fundamental change in the way Indians are choosing to travel internationally.?

Airlines at the Forefront: IndiGo, Air India, and New Entrants?

The rise in non-stop international travel can largely be attributed to the expansion of services by Indian airlines, notably IndiGo and the Air India Group, as well as new entrants like Akasa. These carriers have rapidly scaled up their international operations, offering more direct routes to global destinations and reducing the need for stopovers at traditional international hubs, particularly in the Middle East. In fact, the Middle East, once a major hub for indirect passengers, saw a reduction of 10 lakh in indirect passengers between 2019 and 2023. Besides, other international hubs lost around 28 lakh indirect passengers during this timeframe, reflecting the broader trend of travelers opting for non-stop connections.?

In the past four years, Indian airlines have launched 52 new international routes, providing passengers with more options to fly directly from India to a wider range of global destinations. Notably, countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia have introduced direct routes to India, further enhancing India’s global connectivity. The availability of these new routes has contributed significantly to reducing the necessity for one-stop flights, except for travelers who specifically prefer them.?

Strategic Shift: India’s Focus on Domestic Aviation Hubs?

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership since 2014, has pursued a conservative strategy when it comes to expanding bilateral or flying rights with foreign countries. This approach is designed to protect domestic airlines and develop India’s aviation infrastructure into global hubs, allowing Indian airlines to compete more effectively on the international stage.?

In line with this strategy, Indian hubs gained 10 lakh indirect passengers between 2019 and 2023. While other international hubs lost passengers, Indian airports benefited from this shift, particularly for travelers using India as a transfer hub for journeys to neighboring countries like Nepal. The government’s vision is to ensure that Indian airports become major transit points, reducing the country’s dependence on global hubs such as those in the Middle East, Singapore, and Europe.?

Government Policies and the Future of Indian Aviation?

The rise in direct international flights is a clear indicator of the success of India’s aviation policies, which aim to enhance the country’s global standing in aviation and reduce the outflow of revenue to foreign airlines and hubs. By encouraging domestic carriers to expand internationally and limiting the growth of flying rights with foreign countries, the government has fostered an environment where Indian airlines can grow and thrive in international markets.?

Additionally, the “Udan” scheme, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity within India, has indirectly supported this shift by improving the overall aviation infrastructure. As more airports across the country are upgraded to handle international flights, the reliance on foreign hubs continues to decrease, aligning with the broader national goal of self-reliance in key industries.?

The Role of Emerging Carriers and New Routes?

The entry of new airlines like Akasa, along with the expansion of existing players, has further accelerated the move towards direct international flights. These carriers are capitalizing on the growing demand for seamless travel experiences, particularly as travelers increasingly value convenience, time savings, and the reduced hassle of transit stops. As Indian carriers continue to increase their fleet size and service offerings, passengers now have more choices for direct flights, enhancing competition and driving down costs.?

This expansion is expected to continue as more countries explore direct connectivity with India, further diminishing the need for stopovers in traditional hubs. The market potential for new routes remains vast, especially as India continues to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.?

India’s Future in Aviation Takes Flight?

India's aviation sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation. The shift towards non-stop international travel, driven by increased routes, expanding carriers, and strategic government policies, marks the beginning of a new era for Indian aviation. By reducing reliance on foreign hubs and promoting direct connectivity, India is setting itself up to be a key player in the global aviation landscape, creating opportunities for its airlines and enhancing travel experiences for millions of passengers.?

How do you think the rise in non-stop international flights from India will impact global travel patterns in the coming years??