Over 115 airlines and delegates from 55+ countries expected at Bharat Mandapam from March 16–18, 2027
New Delhi: Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu today unveiled the curtain raiser for Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi, formally marking India’s preparations to host the prestigious international aviation event.
The curtain-raiser event brought together representatives from 28 embassies, along with leading aviation industry stakeholders, highlighting growing international interest and opportunities for collaboration ahead of the 24th edition of Routes Asia.
Routes Asia 2027 will be held from March 16 to 18, 2027, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event is expected to bring together more than 115 leading airlines, representatives from 55+ countries, airports, tourism authorities and other aviation stakeholders from across Asia and beyond.
‘Bharat Aviation Rising: Connecting Asia & Beyond’
Unveiling the curtain raiser plaque, Minister Rammohan Naidu presented India’s vision for the event under the theme “Bharat Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia & Beyond.”
He said the event comes at an important juncture as India, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to expand its aviation infrastructure and 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,” the Minister said.
India’s aviation network expanding
Highlighting the growth of India’s aviation sector, Naidu said the country currently has more than 166 airports, with plans to develop 100 additional airports over the next decade.
He underlined the importance of the hub-and-spoke model in connecting more cities and passengers with emerging markets while creating new opportunities for airlines, tourism and economic activity.
The Minister also highlighted India’s expanding bilateral aviation engagements, particularly with Southeast Asian countries, as well as the continued growth in international air travel. Passenger traffic has recorded a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%, he noted.
Naidu invited the global aviation community to participate in Routes Asia 2027 and explore India’s diverse destinations and expanding connectivity opportunities.
He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among airlines, airports, tourism authorities and other stakeholders to connect Tier-II cities, strengthen international aviation hubs and develop new routes.
India takes over hosting responsibility
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.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) received the hosting baton for the upcoming edition.
Routes Asia 2027 is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates, including senior decision-makers from leading airlines, airports and tourism authorities.
Aviation as an engine of connectivity and economic growth
Addressing the gathering, Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighted the transformative role of aviation in connecting people, facilitating trade and generating economic opportunities.
He emphasised the need to make international air travel increasingly accessible and seamless for both tourism and business, while underlining the importance of partnerships and route development in strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem.
Routes Asia 2027 is expected to provide a major platform for developing new air routes, strengthening airline-airport partnerships and expanding connectivity across Asia and beyond.
The event also reflects India’s broader focus on inclusive aviation growth, international collaboration and stronger connectivity as part of the country’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.