Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Indian Airlines Benefit from India's 'Act East' Policy
India's 'Act East' policy, aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asian countries, has made flying easier and more popular.
Airlines are adding new routes, with a big jump in flights to and from Vietnam and Indonesia.
Airlines in Vietnam are doing well, while Indian airlines are growing in Indonesia and Thailand.
The number of flights and available seats between India and these countries has increased overall, as people travel more for tourism and business.
India's 'Act East' policy, focusing on economic and cultural ties, has boosted airline connectivity with ASEAN nations.
New flight routes have emerged, with some Indian carriers and others, like Air Cambodia, expanding services.
Vietnam has seen significant growth, with foreign carriers dominating over Indian carriers.
Indonesia sees IndiGo and Air India increasing frequencies, unlike pre-COVID times.
Thailand is the biggest gainer in terms of seats offered, with Indian carriers growing market share.
- Who
- Indian and foreign airlines, along with governments promoting the 'Act East' policy.
- What
- Increased air travel and new routes between India and ASEAN nations due to the 'Act East' policy.
- When
- Significant changes have occurred since the pre-COVID period.
- Where
- India and ASEAN countries (Southeast Asia), including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and others.
- Why
- To foster economic and cultural connections, and to counter the decline of Chinese tourists.
Foreign Airlines
Indian Airlines
Market Share
Foreign Airlines
Dominating the India-Vietnam route with significantly more flights.
Indian Airlines
Indian carriers have smaller market share in India-Vietnam market
- Policy Focus
- Economic and cultural connections
- New Connections
- Flights to Brunei, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
- India-Vietnam Flights (Dec 2019)
- 21 weekly flights
- India-Vietnam Flights (Now)
- 82 weekly flights
- Indian carriers in Indonesia
- 21 weekly frequencies
- India-Thailand market growth
- 10% increase
- India-Singapore market
- 10% slump