In an exclusive interaction with Mint, Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi International Airport, emphasized the rapid growth trajectory of secondary markets in India, describing them as the fastest-growing segment globally.
The aviation landscape in India is undergoing a transformative shift as non-metro cities emerge as promising hubs for air travel demand, catching the attention of major aviation players worldwide. Among these, Abu Dhabi International Airport stands out, recognizing the immense potential in India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and anticipating a sustained uptick in air traffic in the years ahead.
In an exclusive interaction with Mint, Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi International Airport, emphasized the rapid growth trajectory of secondary markets in India, describing them as the fastest-growing segment globally. Sorlini highlighted the increasing significance of non-metro cities in driving market size and airport growth, indicating ongoing discussions with airlines to enhance connectivity to these emerging hubs.
India currently accounts for 21% of the total international traffic to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport, officially known as Zayed International Airport, reaffirming the country’s pivotal role in the airport’s operations. Despite the pandemic’s disruptions, traffic between India and Abu Dhabi surged to 4.8 million passengers in 2023, marking a remarkable 26% growth since 2019.
Abu Dhabi International Airport boasts connectivity with 15 cities across India, including major metropolitan centers and burgeoning regional destinations. The airport’s evolving strategy diversifies its airline partnerships, moving away from reliance on Etihad Airways to embrace a more varied network of carriers. This shift enables capacity expansion and fosters greater resilience in the face of market fluctuations.
Sorlini expressed optimism about the growth prospects, citing a year-to-date growth rate of 37-38% in traffic serviced by other Indian carriers. The airport’s current roster of airlines includes Etihad, Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, Vistara, and IndiGo, reflecting a robust and diversified operational framework.
Abu Dhabi Airport’s strategic focus on India’s non-metro cities reflects a broader trend of global aviation hubs recognizing and tapping into the country’s dynamic aviation landscape, poised for exponential growth in the coming years
Looking ahead, Sorlini projected a further surge in traffic, aiming to reach 5.2 million passengers in the India-Abu Dhabi air market by 2024. The recent inauguration of Terminal A, equipped to handle up to 45 million passengers annually, underscores Abu Dhabi Airport’s commitment to accommodating future growth and enhancing passenger experience.
As India pursues its aviation hub ambitions, Sorlini emphasized the critical role of infrastructure and a strong home carrier in realizing this vision. She stressed the importance of passenger-centric services and modern solutions like biometrics to facilitate seamless travel experiences, essential elements for hub development.
Abu Dhabi Airport’s success story resonates with Indian travelers, with Kochi emerging as the top source of air passenger traffic, followed closely by Delhi and Chennai. Sorlini noted a post-pandemic surge in luxury spending among Indian travelers, particularly in first class and business class segments, indicative of growing affluence and travel aspirations.
Abu Dhabi Airport’s strategic focus on India’s non-metro cities reflects a broader trend of global aviation hubs recognizing and tapping into the country’s dynamic aviation landscape, poised for exponential growth in the coming years.
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