Large number of Indian travellers look up non-existent direct flight routes: Survey

International fliers from India want direct flight connectivity

Every time a new flight checks-in on an airport’s display screen, it contributes to making the world a smaller place.

A recent report by air travel intelligence company OAG stated that nine of the top 50 non-existent international routes globally either started or ended in India. (Picture for representation)

But lakhs of international fliers from India still wish for direct flight connectivity, found a survey released on Wednesday.

The report released by global travel search engine, Skyscanner, was based on flight searches across its 50 million users between January 1 and November 1.

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At more than 1.50 lakh searches, the highest number of travellers looked up direct flights from Mumbai to Bali. Most Indians bound to the picturesque Indonesian island are forced to make a stopover at Kuala Lumpur.

The second most wishful direct flight was between Delhi and Auckland.

The route witnessed about 1.20 lakh searches in line with another Skyscanner review, wherein Auckland topped the list of December destinations for Delhiites.

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“There are many reasons why a route cannot be served - distance, availability of aircraft, market demand etc. Nonetheless, the volume of queries from India show that new routes can be considered. Our data analysis revealed that the west coast of the United States of America (USA) is the most neglected region for direct flights. The rarity of these flights often results in passengers paying a premium,” said Reshmi Roy, growth manager, Skyscanner (India).

At least three out of the top ten searched non-existent direct flights routes were to the west coast of USA. While Mumbai to San Francisco and Delhi-Los Angeles saw 98,000 searches each, at 85000, Mumbai-San Fransisco was the fourth most looked up route for direct flights, the report added.

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Although Europe is among the most well connected to India, more than 50000 searches were recorded for direct flights to Amsterdam and Barcelona from India’s capital city.

In fact, a recent report by air travel intelligence company OAG stated that nine of the top 50 non-existent international routes globally either started or ended in India.