Asian – Dispatch

New Routes in South Asia: January to June 2024

The first half of 2024 marks a significant expansion in air travel within South Asia, with several airlines introducing new routes to enhance connectivity and meet the growing demand for air travel in the region. These new routes not only facilitate tourism but also strengthen economic ties and promote cultural exchanges among the countries.

1. Emirates Airline: Dubai to Colombo and Kathmandu
Starting in January 2024, Emirates Airline has launched new daily flights from Dubai to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Kathmandu, Nepal. These routes cater to the increasing number of tourists and business travelers visiting these vibrant South Asian destinations. Colombo is known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and burgeoning business hubs, while Kathmandu attracts adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts with its stunning landscapes and heritage sites.

2. Qatar Airways: Doha to Dhaka and Thiruvananthapuram
Qatar Airways has expanded its network with new routes from Doha to Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Thiruvananthapuram, India, beginning in February 2024. The Doha-Dhaka route aims to support the large expatriate community and enhance trade relations between Qatar and Bangladesh. The Doha-Thiruvananthapuram route targets the significant number of Indian expatriates in Qatar and promotes tourism in the southern state of Kerala, renowned for its backwaters and wellness retreats.

3. Air India: Mumbai to Malé and Yangon
Air India has introduced new flights from Mumbai to Malé, Maldives, and Yangon, Myanmar, starting in March 2024. These routes offer convenient travel options for Indian tourists seeking tropical getaways in the Maldives and cultural adventures in Myanmar. The Mumbai-Malé route is particularly significant for honeymooners and leisure travelers, while the Mumbai-Yangon route opens up opportunities for business and cultural exchanges.

4. SriLankan Airlines: Colombo to Hanoi and Dhaka
SriLankan Airlines has launched new services connecting Colombo with Hanoi, Vietnam, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, effective April 2024. The Colombo-Hanoi route aims to boost tourism and business interactions between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, both of which are emerging markets with growing tourism sectors. The Colombo-Dhaka route enhances connectivity for business travelers and facilitates the movement of goods and services between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

5. IndiGo: Delhi to Kathmandu and Colombo
IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has added new routes from Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, starting in May 2024. These additions cater to the increasing demand for budget-friendly travel options among Indian tourists and business travelers. The Delhi-Kathmandu route is popular among adventure seekers and pilgrims, while the Delhi-Colombo route supports cultural exchanges and trade.

6. Bangladesh Biman: Dhaka to Chennai and Kuala Lumpur
Bangladesh Biman has expanded its network with new flights from Dhaka to Chennai, India, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, effective June 2024. The Dhaka-Chennai route caters to the significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates in India and promotes medical tourism to Chennai, known for its advanced healthcare facilities. The Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur route strengthens economic ties and supports the large Bangladeshi community in Malaysia.

These new routes reflect the dynamic nature of the aviation industry in South Asia, driven by the region’s growing economies, increasing tourism, and the need for improved connectivity. As airlines continue to explore new opportunities, passengers can look forward to more convenient and diverse travel options across South Asia.