Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu today unveiled the Curtain Raiser for Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in India's preparations to host the prestigious international aviation event. The Curtain Raiser witnessed participation from representatives of 28 embassies, along with leading aviation stakeholders, underscoring the growing international engagement and collaborative opportunities surrounding Routes Asia 2027.

The 24^th edition of Routes Asia will be held from 16–18 March 2027 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together more than 115 leading airlines, representatives from 55+ countries, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders from across Asia and beyond.

Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, while unveiling the curtain raiser plaque, presented India's vision for Routes Asia 2027 under the theme “Bharat Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia & Beyond.” He highlighted that guided by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the event comes at an opportune moment as India advances towards becoming the world's third-largest aviation market. He said, “Routes Asia 2027 is coming to the right place, at the right time, with the right opportunity! There is room for more capacity, more airlines and more routes”.

With over 166 airports and plans to develop 100 additional airports over the next decade, India's aviation sector is witnessing rapid expansion. The Minister emphasised the growing importance of the hub-and-spoke model, which can connect more cities and people with emerging markets, creating opportunities for airlines, tourism and economic growth. He also highlighted India's active bilateral aviation engagements, particularly with Southeast Asian countries, and the continued growth in international air travel, with passenger traffic recording a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%.

The Minister extended an invitation to the global aviation community to participate in Routes Asia 2027 and explore India's diverse destinations and expanding aviation opportunities. He underscored the importance of collective stakeholder efforts in connecting Tier-II cities, strengthening international hubs and developing new routes that will shape the next chapter of India's aviation journey.

India formally assumed the hosting responsibilities for Routes Asia 2027 from China West Airport Group during the closing ceremony of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, China, in April 2026, with Airports Authority of India, receiving the hosting baton. The upcoming edition is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, including decision-makers from leading airlines, airports and tourism authorities.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighted the transformative role of aviation in connecting people, facilitating trade and creating economic opportunities. Emphasising that international travel should become increasingly accessible and seamless for tourism and business, he underscored the importance of partnerships and route development in strengthening India's aviation ecosystem.

Routes Asia 2027 will provide a strategic platform for strengthening partnerships, developing new air routes and positioning India as a preferred aviation and connectivity destination. The event reinforces India's commitment to inclusive growth, international collaboration and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Divyanshu Kumar