New Delhi, 16th April, 2026:
At the closing ceremony of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, China, the hosting rights for the 23rd edition of Routes Asia is formally handed over to India, marking a significant milestone for the country’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.
Routes Asia is the only route development event dedicated to Asia Pacific, which provides platform for the region’s airlines, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders to meet, share best practice and come together to develop network strategies and ensure future route development across Asia Pacific.
Reflecting this strong growth trajectory and rising global prominence of the Indian aviation sector,China West Airport Group have officially handed over the hosting responsibilities of the Routes Asia 2027 to India by entrusting the hosting baton to Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India in a dedicated networking session hosted by India on the sidelines of Routes Asia 2026, being held from 12th–16th April.Routes Asia 2026 has brought together over 1,500 delegates, including representatives from 165 airports, 125 airlines, and 35 tourism and government bodies from across the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating strategic airport-to-airline meetings to strengthen regional and international air connectivity.
On the occasion, Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation in video message welcomed global airline leaders, airport authorities, and tourism professionals to participate in Routes Asia 2027 and establish new travel corridors.
The highlight of the event was that India is preparing to host 24th edition of Routes Asia 2027. The country is embarking on a transformative journey to unlock the full potential of its skies. It was also noted that the platform will foster new partnerships, strengthen air connectivity, and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, while driving economic growth and showcasing the diversity of Incredible India. Emphasizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ it reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, building a future where innovation, connectivity, and opportunity define every flight and reflect the nation’s global aspirations.
India will be hosting Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi from 16th–18th March, 2027, at Bharat Mandapam. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, including decision-makers from leading airlines, airports, and tourism authorities across Asia and beyond.
The announcement builds on the official declaration made on 2nd September, 2025, in New Delhi, confirming that on behalf of the country, the Airports Authority of India will host the prestigious aviation forum for the first time in the country’s history.
India’s aviation sector is witnessing significant expansion across both domestic and international travel segments, strengthening its position as an important aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently served by more than 80 domestic and international carriers, the country continues to strengthen its global connectivity.
Hosting Routes Asia 2027 marks a historic first for India and reflects the country’s emergence as a global aviation leader. With 165 operational airports and continued expansion into tier II and tier III cities, India is creating a robust ecosystem for airlines and stakeholders to explore new markets and enhance connectivity to emerging destinations.
The event is expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing air route networks across the Asia-Pacific region, while enabling the development of new travel corridors linking Asia with Europe, North America, and beyond. India’s assumption of the Routes Asia hosting baton from China marks a defining moment in its aviation journey and sets the stage for a landmark edition of Routes Asia in 2027 carrying its inimitable legacy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – which means ‘the world is one family’.
