Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi International Airport, revealed their strategic focus on tapping into the rapidly growing market of non-metro cities in India.
Sorlini highlighted the remarkable pace of growth in these secondary markets, emphasising their increasing importance in the overall aviation landscape.
India, accounting for a substantial 21% of the total international traffic to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport, has witnessed a notable surge in passenger numbers, reaching 4.8 million in 2023. To capitalise on this momentum, the airport is actively engaging with airlines to enhance connectivity to 15 Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Abu Dhabi’s shift towards a diversified airline model is evident, with efforts underway to encourage more foreign carriers to operate flights to the airport. This strategic move not only aims to optimize airport infrastructure but also provides scope for capacity expansion. Notably, there remains untapped potential within bilateral air service agreements, allowing for further growth in seat capacity.
With projections indicating a continued rise in the India-Abu Dhabi air market, Sorlini anticipates reaching 5.2 million passengers in 2024. This bullish outlook underscores the airport’s confidence in the market’s potential and its commitment to catering to evolving travel patterns.
Furthermore, Sorlini in an interview with Mint, stressed the significance of robust infrastructure and a strong home carrier in establishing a successful aviation hub. Modern facilities, seamless transfers, and a qualitative passenger experience are deemed essential elements in attracting both passengers and airlines.
In addition to observing a mix of point-to-point and transfer traffic, the airport has noted a notable increase in luxury spending among Indian travelers post-pandemic. Premium seat classes and duty-free purchases have particularly seen growth, reflecting evolving consumer behaviour in the travel retail segment.
Abu Dhabi International Airport’s strategic focus on India’s non-metro cities signals a proactive approach to harnessing emerging market segments and positioning itself as a key player in the region’s aviation landscape.