Addressing travel trade leaders, Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat stressed that limited direct Europe connectivity is constraining India–EU tourism growth. Data shows 16 airlines operate Europe–India routes and 18 European airports have non stop service, but connections are concentrated in a few major Indian cities. The India–EU Aviation Dialogue’s immediate priorities include adding more direct routes, increasing seat capacity and expanding code shares with carriers like Air India.
Over the next year, the objective is to extend Europe connectivity to more of India’s international airports, enabling European travellers to access Tier 2 cities, heritage sites and MICE hubs. Wider connectivity will spread economic benefits and strengthen India’s positioning as a nationwide tourism destination.
