Archive · 22 Aug 2025
India's Airport CEOs Push for Global Hub Status
India's airports want to be major travel hubs, like Dubai.
This means making it easier for people to fly directly to Europe and North America without going through other countries.
They're working on making airports better, faster, and more comfortable for travelers.
The government is also helping by changing rules about how many flights airlines can have.
Indian airlines are buying lots of new planes to fly to more places.
They want to beat out other airports that currently handle a lot of Indian travelers.
Making travel smoother and more appealing is very important for success.
Indian airports aim to become global hubs like Dubai or Singapore.
Direct flight percentages from India to Europe have increased.
Government policy and air service agreements are crucial for success.
Passenger experience, including transfer processes, is key.
Indian airlines are expanding and ordering new aircraft.
- Who
- Airport CEOs and Indian airlines.
- What
- Indian airports are working to become global hubs.
- When
- The discussion happened at the Business Standard Infrastructure Summit on Thursday.
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- To capture more of the international travel market and compete with existing hubs.
Indian Airports/Carriers
Gulf Carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways)
Air Service Agreements
Indian Airports/Carriers
Prioritize Indian carriers and limit expansion by Gulf carriers.
Gulf Carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways)
Expand bilateral flying rights for Gulf carriers.
- Primary Goal
- Establish airports as global hubs
- Key to Success
- Direct flights, smoother transfers, policy support
- Direct Flights (2019)
- 17-18% to Europe/North America
- Direct Flights (Now)
- 40-45% to Europe from Delhi
- Major Players
- Air India, IndiGo
- Recent Aircraft Orders
- Air India Group (470), IndiGo (530), Akasa Air (150)