Bharat Mandapam to Host the 23rd Routes Asia from 16–18 March 2027, with 2,000+ Delegates Expected from Airlines, Airports and Tourism Authorities

Posted On: 29 September 2026 | PIB Delhi

India is preparing to host Routes Asia 2027, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation formally unveiling the curtain raiser for the international aviation event in New Delhi. The event is scheduled to take place from 16–18 March 2027 at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together airlines, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders from across Asia and beyond.

The event is expected to feature more than 115 leading airlines and participants from over 55 countries, providing a platform for discussions around new air routes, capacity expansion and international aviation partnerships.

Key Highlights

• Routes Asia 2027: 16–18 March 2027 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• More than 115 airlines and representatives from 55+ countries expected.
• Over 2,000 delegates anticipated from airlines, airports and tourism authorities.
• Theme: “Bharat Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia & Beyond.”
• India currently has 166+ airports, with plans for 100 additional airports over the next decade.
• Focus on developing new routes, international hubs and Tier-II city connectivity.
• Routes Asia will provide a platform for airlines and destinations to explore potential connectivity opportunities.

India Positions Aviation as a Tourism Growth Driver

The curtain raiser comes as India continues to expand its aviation infrastructure and international connectivity. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the potential for greater capacity, additional airlines and new routes as India’s aviation network develops.

The government is also emphasising the hub-and-spoke model, which can connect smaller cities with major aviation hubs and international markets. For the travel industry, improved connectivity to Tier-II and emerging destinations can influence how tourism circuits are developed and marketed.

India formally assumed 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 the Airports Authority of India receiving the hosting baton.

Routes Asia 2027 to Focus on Route Development

Routes Asia is expected to provide a platform for airlines, airports and tourism authorities to discuss potential route development and connectivity opportunities.

With India reporting continued growth in international air travel and maintaining active bilateral aviation engagements, particularly with Southeast Asian countries, the event is expected to bring destination development and aviation planning into closer alignment.

The participation of tourism authorities is particularly relevant as new routes can influence passenger access to destinations and support the development of leisure, business and MICE travel markets.

What It Means for Hospitality, Travel & Tourism

For India’s hospitality and tourism sector, air connectivity is a key enabler of destination growth. Routes Asia 2027 could generate discussions around routes serving established tourism centres as well as emerging Tier-II destinations.

Potential areas of impact include:

• International tourism: New routes can improve direct access to Indian destinations for overseas travellers.
• Tier-II tourism: Better connectivity can support emerging destinations beyond India’s major metropolitan gateways.
• Hotel demand: Increased air capacity can expand visitor markets for hotels, resorts and destination properties.
• MICE and business travel: Greater international connectivity can support conferences, exhibitions, corporate travel and incentive tourism.
• Destination marketing: Tourism authorities can use route development discussions to align aviation connectivity with destination promotion.
• Airline-hotel partnerships: Expanding routes can create opportunities for airlines, hotels and destination-management companies to develop joint travel products.

Industry Takeaway

Routes Asia 2027 will bring airlines, airports and tourism authorities together around one of the most important issues for India’s travel economy: route development. With New Delhi hosting the event and more than 115 airlines expected to participate, the discussions in March 2027 could provide insights into the routes, destinations and aviation partnerships shaping India’s next phase of international and regional connectivity.