Here's Why More Indian Passengers are Opting for Nonstop International Travel — India Report

19.09.2024 - 04:01 / skift.com / Bulbul Dhawan

More Indian passengers are opting for direct international flights, according to aviation consultancy firm OAG. The firm compared data from 2019 with 2023, and found that even though India’s international air traffic last year was 600,000 lesser than 2019, the number of passengers flying directly to their destination increased by 2 million. 

On the other hand, passengers making indirect trips declined by 2.5 million. The firm attributed the growth to more international flights by IndiGo and Air India, along with the introduction of international connectivity by new Indian carrier — Akasa. More international airlines operating the Indian market have also led to increased direct connectivity and more options for Indian travelers. 

India’s largest carrier IndiGo, which recently placed its first-ever order for widebody aircraft, plans to offer nonstop connectivity from major Indian airports to global destinations.

Talking at the Skift India Summit this year, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson made a case for direct connectivity, “It may not be convenient to get on a flight for three or four hours, land in the wee hours of the morning, sit in an airport for an hour and a half or two hours or three hours or longer, and then get on another flight to get to Europe when you could have gone nonstop in eight-and-a-half hours.”

At a recent event, Suman Billa, additional secretary with India’s Tourism Ministry, said more direct flights between India and U.S. would not only make the market more cost competitive for people, but would also add to the convenience of traveling.

A May report by credit rating agency CRISIL pointed out that Indian airlines will account for half of the country’s international passenger traffic by fiscal 2027-28. 

Australia will be introducing a ballot system for nationals of 3 countries, including India, applying for the Work and Holiday Visa 2024-25 program year. The system is being introduced to manage the high demand Australia is receiving from these countries. 

Who can apply? The Work and Holiday Visa is meant for individuals aged 18 to 30 years who can stay in Australia and work alongside in the country. Those with the visa can continue to work and stay for a year, and then renew it two more times if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 

Australia’s New Rules for Visas: First-time applicants for the visa will need to register through the new ballot system, which will then randomly select applicants for the visa process. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs clarified that the ballot system will not impact the current and previous holders of the visa. 

Australia agreed to offer 1,000 Work and Holiday Visas every year to Indian nationals under the Australia-India Economic