Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Unveils Curtain Raiser for Routes Asia 2027

Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu unveiled the 'Curtain Raiser' plaque for Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi. This represents a major step toward India's preparations for hosting the prestigious international aviation event. The ceremony was attended by representatives from 28 embassies and key stakeholders from the aviation sector.

The 24th edition of the Routes Asia program will be held from March 16-18, 2027, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event will bring together over 115 major airlines from Asia and other regions, representatives from more than 55 countries, airports, tourism authorities, and various stakeholders from the aviation sector. The theme for the event has been set as "India Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia and Beyond."

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the event, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, comes at a time when India is rapidly progressing toward becoming the third-largest aviation market in the world. He emphasized that Routes Asia 2027 provides an ideal opportunity to develop greater capacity, attract more airlines, and create more new routes.

The Minister noted that India's aviation sector is expanding rapidly, with more than 166 airports currently operational and plans to develop an additional 100 airports over the next decade. He discussed the importance of the 'hub-and-spoke' model, which will create new opportunities for airlines, tourism, and economic growth by connecting more cities and people with emerging markets. He also mentioned active bilateral relations with Southeast Asian countries and noted that international air travel has recorded a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.6%.

Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Sameer Kumar Sinha, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted the role of the aviation sector in facilitating trade and enhancing economic opportunities. He stressed the need to make international travel more convenient and strengthen the aviation ecosystem through route development.

It is noted that India formally took over the hosting responsibilities for the event from the 'China West Airport Group' during the conclusion of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi'an, China, in April 2026. The leadership of the event has been handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). It is expected that more than 2,000 decision-making officials from airlines, airports, and tourism authorities will participate in the event.