India could be losing up to 5–10% of inbound demand for destinations lacking convenient international air links, estimates Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel & Air Charter Group. Goyal said connections through metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru or Kolkata add time, cost and inconvenience, potentially diverting leisure and MICE travellers to competing destinations. Based on India’s 9.15 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, a 5% diversion would equate to about 458,000 travellers. Applying Goyal’s estimated average spend of US$1,500–2,000 would indicate US$686 million–915 million in potential tourism receipts. Ministry of Tourism data shows Delhi and Mumbai together handled 52.99% of international tourist arrivals in 2025. The ministry says it does not maintain data tracking tourists’ onward destinations or connection patterns.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.