Amidst the backdrop of heightened outbound travel demand and robust economic growth, Indian carriers have substantially expanded their international network, culminating in the addition of over 49 new routes during FY24.
This surge has propelled the market share of Indian airlines in the international segment from just over 33% in FY17 to an impressive 43% in the last fiscal year. Expanding Horizons Leading the charge in international route expansions, airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Air India Express have significantly broadened their footprint. Noteworthy additions include routes to key destinations like Almaty, Baku, Tashkent, and Tbilisi by IndiGo, and Bali by Vistara. Air India’s introduction of the Mumbai-Melbourne flight, its first non-stop service to Australia in four decades, underscores the strategic push towards global connectivity.
Geopolitical Factors and Strategic Imperatives Geopolitical dynamics, including reduced capacity from US and Chinese carriers, have also played a role in reshaping the international aviation landscape. With US carriers scaling back operations and Chinese carriers yet to return post-Covid, Indian airlines have seized the opportunity to enhance their market presence and capture a larger share of international traffic.
Market Share Expansion Data from Mumbai airport further corroborate the rise of Indian carriers in international traffic, with IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara collectively commanding a 47% share in FY24, up from 33% in FY23. Conversely, the share of Emirates, a prominent West Asian carrier, has seen a decline, reflecting a shift in market dynamics amidst bilateral seat capacity constraints. The surge in international route launches by Indian carriers signifies a strategic milestone in the evolution of India’s aviation sector, underscoring the industry’s resilience and adaptability in navigating complex market conditions. As airlines continue to expand their global footprint, the trajectory of Indian aviation is poised for further growth and consolidation on the international stage.
