Indian travelers now have more options for non-stop international travel, with over 20 new direct routes launched in 2025. Akasa Air has begun international operations with direct flights from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Phuket. This expansion of direct flights is making it easier and more convenient for Indian tourists to access popular global destinations.
Airlines are actively expanding their networks, offering travelers more direct connections to international destinations. In November 2025, Etihad Airways launched new routes to several cities, including Chiang Mai, Hanoi, and Hong Kong. Similarly, Singapore Airlines has announced new winter flights to Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia for 2025. This expansion reflects a broader trend of airlines diversifying their networks to meet growing travel demand.
India has become the fastest-growing global market for Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), with a 50% growth in the last year. This surge is part of a larger trend of new markets, including Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, becoming significant sources of outbound tourism. To capitalize on this, Indian travel companies like EaseMyTrip are making strategic acquisitions to strengthen their travel ecosystems.
There is a growing emphasis on sustainable and regenerative travel practices, with travelers increasingly seeking eco-friendly options and experiences that positively impact local communities. Destinations are responding to this trend. For example, Kerala is positioning itself as a premier "workation" destination, and Meghalaya has launched a new tourism identity focused on sustainable development. The industry is also seeing a rise in "gigcations," where travelers combine work and leisure, with a 42% year-over-year increase in such trips.
Technological innovations are reshaping how people travel, with AI, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offering more personalized and seamless experiences. MakeMyTrip has introduced an AI-powered natural language search for accommodations, and companies are increasingly using NFC technology and QR codes to provide travelers with instant information. This acceleration in tech adoption is a direct result of the industry's push to digitize customer interactions and internal operations.
Indian travelers now have more options for non-stop international travel, with over 20 new direct routes launched in 2025. Akasa Air has begun international operations with direct flights from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Phuket. This expansion of direct flights is making it easier and more convenient for Indian tourists to access popular global destinations.
