India sees rise in non-stop international travel, reducing reliance on global hubs
The aviation industry in India is experiencing a shift as more passengers prefer direct flights to global destinations. This trend is driven by increased international flights from carriers like IndiGo and Air India Group, along with new entrants ...
By ET Online |
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The aviation industry in India has seen a significant shift, with more passengers now opting for direct flights between India and global destinations. This change is attributed to the increase in international flights by carriers like IndiGo and the Tata-owned Air India Group.
Additionally, new entrants like Akasa and other international airlines operating in the country have altered travel patterns, reducing the need for stopovers at hub airports. This insight comes from the UK-based air consultancy firm OAG, which compared data from pre-COVID-19 in 2019 with that of 2023.
In 2023, India's international air traffic stood at around 6.5 crore, marginally lower by 6 lakh compared to 2019. Notably, 3.7 crore passengers traveled non-stop, an increase of 20 lakh from 2019. In contrast, the number of passengers making indirect trips dropped by 25 lakh, totaling 2.7 crore. This shift reflects a rise in the proportion of direct travelers, climbing from 54% to 57%. Additionally, 10 lakh passengers utilized Indian hubs for transfers, such as those traveling between Kathmandu and New York via Delhi.
Direct flights have become more accessible with more countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, now offering direct routes to and from India. The necessity for one-stop flights has diminished unless travelers specifically opt for them.
OAG's analysis indicates a noticeable decrease in traffic through traditional hubs, particularly in the Middle East, which saw a reduction of 10 lakh indirect passengers from 2019 to 2023. Other international hubs lost 28 lakh indirect passengers during this period, while Indian hubs gained 10 lakh indirect passengers. Over these four years, Indian airlines have introduced 52 new international routes.
Since 2014, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi, has maintained a conservative approach to increasing bilaterals, or flying rights, with foreign countries. This strategy aims to protect domestic airlines and foster the development of global hubs within India.
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with inputs from TOI
10 Southeast Asian travel itineraries under ₹1 lakh for a week
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Exploring multiple destinations in Southeast Asia on a budget can provide a diverse and enriching travel experience.
Here are ten itineraries that blend cultural immersion, natural beauty, and urban exploration, all within a week and under ₹1 lakh.
Exploring multiple destinations in Southeast Asia on a budget can provide a diverse and enriching travel experience. Here are ten itineraries that blend cultural immersion, natural beauty, and urban ..
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Begin your journey in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital. Spend the first day visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, then dive into the bustling nightlife of Khao San Road.
On the second day, take a day trip to Ayutthaya, known for its ancient temples and ruins.
Next, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore the iconic Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. Consider a visit to the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake for a unique cultural experience.
Return to Bangkok on the final day to enjoy shopping at the Chatuchak Market before heading home.
Key Highlights: - Ancient temples in Ayutthaya and Angkor Wat. - Cultural immersion at Tonle Sap Lake. - Shopping at Bangkok’s bustling markets.
Begin your journey in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital. Spend the first day visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, then dive into the bustling nightlife of Khao San Road. On the second day, take ..
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Start your adventure in Kuala Lumpur, where you can marvel at the Petronas Towers and enjoy the tranquility of KLCC Park.
The following day, explore Batu Caves and Chinatown for a mix of natural and cultural sights.
A quick flight to Penang brings you to George Town, known for its vibrant street art and heritage architecture. After exploring Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple, travel by bus or train to Singapore.
Discover the modern wonders of Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, and spend a day at Universal Studios or Sentosa Island.
Wrap up your trip with shopping at Orchard Road and exploring Little India.
Key Highlights - Iconic cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. - Street art and cultural heritage in Penang. - Entertainment at Universal Studios or Sentosa Island.
Start your adventure in Kuala Lumpur, where you can marvel at the Petronas Towers and enjoy the tranquility of KLCC Park. The following day, explore Batu Caves and Chinatown for a mix of natural and ..
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Kick off this itinerary in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, known for its bustling Old Quarter and historic sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Spend a full day cruising Halong Bay, famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands. Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos, for a change of pace.
Here, you can visit the stunning Kuang Si Falls and explore ancient temples like Wat Xieng Thong.
The city offers a serene environment, perfect for exploring its night markets and the Royal Palace Museum.
Key Highlights - Natural beauty of Halong Bay and Kuang Si Falls. - Cultural experiences in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Luang Prabang. - Historical sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Kick off this itinerary in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, known for its bustling Old Quarter and historic sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Spend a full day cruising Halong Bay, famous for its emerald..
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This itinerary begins with relaxation on Bali's beautiful Seminyak Beach. Explore Ubud's Tegalalang Rice Terraces and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest.
A day trip to Nusa Penida Island allows you to enjoy some of Bali’s most stunning beaches and viewpoints.
Then, fly to Kuala Lumpur, where you can explore the Petronas Towers and Batu Caves.
A quick day trip to Genting Highlands offers a different kind of adventure with its cool climate and entertainment options.
Key Highlights - Beach relaxation and cultural exploration in Bali. - Urban sights in Kuala Lumpur. - Scenic getaway to Genting Highlands.
This itinerary begins with relaxation on Bali's beautiful Seminyak Beach. Explore Ubud's Tegalalang Rice Terraces and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest. A day trip to Nusa Penida Island allows you to en..
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Start in Bangkok, exploring the city's famous temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Experience the vibrant local culture at the floating markets.
Then, fly to Phuket for a couple of days of relaxation and adventure on Patong Beach and island hopping to the Phi Phi Islands.
From there, head to Hanoi, Vietnam, to delve into its rich history and culture, with a day trip to the breathtaking Halong Bay.
Key Highlights - Blend of city life, beach relaxation, and natural beauty. - Cultural experiences at Bangkok's temples and Hanoi's Old Quarter. - Adventure activities like island hopping in Phuket.
Start in Bangkok, exploring the city's famous temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Experience the vibrant local culture at the floating markets. Then, fly to Phuket for a couple of days of rela..
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Begin in Siem Reap, exploring the incredible temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
After a couple of days, fly to Phnom Penh to visit the Royal Palace and learn about Cambodia's history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Your journey continues in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where you can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and take a tour of the Mekong Delta.
Key Highlights - Historic sites like Angkor Wat and the Cu Chi Tunnels. - Insight into Cambodia's history and culture in Phnom Penh. - Exploration of the Mekong Delta’s unique waterways.
Begin in Siem Reap, exploring the incredible temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. After a couple of days, fly to Phnom Penh to visit the Royal Palace and learn about Cambodia's history at the Tuol ..
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Start in Singapore, experiencing its modern attractions like Marina Bay Sands and the vibrant neighborhoods of Little India and Chinatown.
Spend a day at Sentosa Island or Universal Studios for some fun and entertainment.
Then, take a ferry to Bintan Island in Indonesia for a relaxing beach getaway. Enjoy water sports, spa treatments, and serene beachside relaxation.
Key Highlights - Modern city exploration in Singapore. - Entertainment and adventure at Sentosa Island. - Beach relaxation on Bintan Island.
Start in Singapore, experiencing its modern attractions like Marina Bay Sands and the vibrant neighborhoods of Little India and Chinatown.Spend a day at Sentosa Island or Universal Studios for some f..
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Fly into Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. Spend the first day exploring the historical sites like Intramuros and Rizal Park.
The next day, fly to Palawan and head to El Nido, known for its stunning beaches and limestone cliffs. Enjoy island-hopping tours around Bacuit Bay, visiting places like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.
Spend the final day relaxing on the beach before returning to Manila for your flight home.
Key Highlights - Historical exploration in Manila. - Natural beauty and island hopping in El Nido. - Relaxation on Palawan’s pristine beaches.
Fly into Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. Spend the first day exploring the historical sites like Intramuros and Rizal Park. The next day, fly to Palawan and head to El Nido, known for it..
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Begin in Chiang Mai, Thailand, exploring ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh and enjoying a day with elephants at an ethical sanctuary.
Fly to Vientiane, Laos, to see the famous Patuxai monument and That Luang stupa.
Continue to Luang Prabang to experience the peaceful atmosphere, visiting Kuang Si Falls and partaking in the morning alms-giving ceremony with local monks.
Key Highlights - Cultural and historical sites in Chiang Mai and Vientiane. - Natural beauty and serene environment in Luang Prabang. - Unique experiences like the alms-giving ceremony.
Begin in Chiang Mai, Thailand, exploring ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh and enjoying a day with elephants at an ethical sanctuary. Fly to Vientiane, Laos, to see the famous Patuxai monument and ..
