Air India is aiming to significantly increase its international-to-international (I-to-I) transit passenger traffic, targeting a doubling of this figure over the next three years. This move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to leverage India’s growing position as a global transit hub. With its expanding network and strategic schedule realignment, Air India is actively working towards attracting more passengers who are connecting between two international destinations via Indian airports.
The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, outlined the carrier’s progress in this area, stating that almost 10 percent of the traffic on its long-haul, wide-body aircraft now consists of I-to-I passengers. This category involves passengers traveling from one foreign country to another, with India serving as the connecting point. The airline has already started reaping the benefits of its efforts to bolster this type of traffic. Aggarwal explained that when the Tata group took over Air India in January 2022, the I-to-I traffic share was minimal and not significant enough to track. Now, the airline has made substantial strides in this area, making it a key part of their growth strategy.
According to Aggarwal, the airline expects this percentage to rise sharply, with projections indicating that I-to-I traffic will account for as much as 20 percent of Air India’s total long-haul passenger traffic in the next three years. He also mentioned that around 40 percent of Air India’s traffic consists of domestic-to-international (D-to-I) passengers, who are traveling from India to various international destinations, while 50 percent comprises point-to-point traffic, where passengers fly directly from one city to another without a stopover.
Air India’s efforts to boost its I-to-I traffic are built around several strategic moves. The airline has been expanding its international network, which includes more direct routes between international cities and improved connections through Indian hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. By tweaking flight schedules, Air India aims to offer smoother, more convenient connections, making it a more attractive option for transit passengers. The airline is not just focusing on increasing the volume of I-to-I passengers but is also working to enhance the overall passenger experience to make Indian airports more appealing for international travelers.
The growth in I-to-I traffic comes at a crucial time, as Air India works on strengthening its global footprint. The Tata group’s acquisition of the airline in 2022 marked a significant shift, bringing in a new era of growth and modernization. This transformation has involved not only improving the airline’s fleet and customer service but also enhancing operational efficiency. As a result, Air India is now better equipped to compete with global carriers and secure a larger share of the international transit traffic market.
Air India’s strategy aligns with broader trends in the aviation industry, as many airlines are increasingly focusing on transit passengers as a key revenue source. By capitalizing on India’s strategic location between major international air travel hubs, Air India is positioning itself as a key player in the growing global transit market. Connecting flights through Indian airports offer convenience, competitive pricing, and a smooth travel experience for international travelers looking to connect between distant destinations.
For passengers traveling on long-haul flights or those seeking better connection options, Air India is offering a compelling proposition with its improved flight schedules, network expansion, and strategic positioning. The airline’s vision to double its I-to-I traffic share within three years is ambitious but achievable, given the steps it has already taken to modernize its operations and improve passenger services.
In addition to network expansion and schedule realignment, Air India is also focusing on improving its services for I-to-I passengers. The airline has started offering enhanced amenities, such as faster immigration clearance and more comfortable waiting areas for transit passengers, ensuring that the entire journey is seamless and efficient. Air India’s investment in technology also plays a pivotal role in this strategy, with efforts to improve online booking systems, making it easier for international travelers to plan their trips with ease.
To further bolster its position in the I-to-I market, Air India is also exploring partnerships with other international carriers. These collaborations can help strengthen its network, offering more connection options for passengers and facilitating smoother transfers. Codeshare agreements with global airlines can also increase the flow of international traffic through Indian hubs, making Air India a more attractive option for travelers looking for convenience and cost-effective travel solutions.
Air India’s investment in this area comes at a time when global travel is seeing a resurgence, with more passengers looking to fly between continents. The airline is capitalizing on this growth by offering a mix of competitive pricing, improved services, and more direct connections. As international travel continues to rebound, Air India’s ability to position itself as a major transit hub will be crucial to its success in the coming years.
The airline’s growing I-to-I traffic share is not just a triumph for Air India, but also for the country’s aviation infrastructure. Increased transit traffic brings with it benefits for Indian airports, boosting economic activity and creating more job opportunities. As the country’s largest international carrier, Air India is well-placed to drive this growth, contributing to India’s emerging role as a significant player in the global aviation industry.
In the coming years, Air India aims to leverage its position in the I-to-I traffic market to not only grow its passenger base but also enhance the overall brand image. With its improved fleet, strengthened network, and a strategic focus on international transit traffic, the airline looks poised to continue its upward trajectory in the highly competitive international aviation sector.
As more airlines focus on the lucrative I-to-I market, Air India’s success in this area will serve as a blueprint for other carriers seeking to tap into this growing segment. The airline’s comprehensive approach, combining operational improvements, strategic partnerships, and a strong focus on customer service, sets it apart as a leader in this space. Over the next few years, it is likely that Air India will continue to refine its strategy, further improving its transit offering and consolidating its position as a global player in international air travel.