India's aviation sector is witnessing a notable shift as more travelers opt for direct flights to global destinations. This trend is largely driven by the expansion of international routes offered by airlines such as IndiGo and the Tata-owned Air India Group, as well as the entry of new players like Akasa and other international carriers.

According to recent data from the UK-based consultancy Official Airline Guide (OAG), there has been a significant decrease in stopover flights, with travelers increasingly choosing non-stop routes. Comparing data from 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, with that from 2023, the numbers highlight this shift. In 2023, India's international air traffic reached approximately 65 million passengers, a slight decrease of 600,000 from 2019. However, the number of non-stop passengers surged to 37 million, an increase of 2 million from 2019. Conversely, passengers opting for indirect flights fell by 2.5 million to 27 million. This change has led to an increase in the share of direct travelers, rising from 54% to 57%. Additionally, 10 million passengers still used Indian hubs for connecting flights, such as those traveling from Kathmandu to New York via Delhi.

The growth in direct flight options is further enhanced by new routes from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia. This reduction in the need for stopovers reflects a broader trend towards more efficient travel.

OAG's analysis reveals a significant decline in traffic through traditional hubs, especially in the Middle East, which saw a drop of 1 million indirect passengers between 2019 and 2023. Other global hubs experienced a loss of 2.8 million indirect passengers, while Indian hubs saw an increase of 1 million indirect passengers. During this period, Indian airlines launched 52 new international routes.

Since 2014, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi, has adopted a cautious approach to expanding bilateral air agreements. This policy aims to support domestic airlines and enhance the development of India's own global hubs.

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