G20’s Impact On Indian Airports: Better Facilities, Higher Revenues
The G20 Presidency of India has been a boon for the airports of India. With a surge in tourist and delegate influx in the last 10 months of the G20 events in India, airports across major cities of India not only underwent a major makeover but also saw increase in revenue.
Airport hospitality has gone bigger and better, making India a more appealing destination for both business and leisure travellers. As per statistics, the Delhi Airport which had the highest number of delegate arrivals, saw an incredible surge in air traffic with 73000+ domestic and 30000+ international arrivals.
As per reports, the G20 Summit led to a 63 per cent YoY rise in international flight arrivals at IGI Airport, with Delhi's travel demand index clocking to 87, a whopping 40 per cent higher than usual.
This is projected to benefit the country's economy in the long run by increasing tourism and attracting international investment. It demonstrated India's ability to host significant international events, improving the country's international visibility. It also positions India as a favoured MICE destination in the coming years, thanks to the country's fast growing infrastructure and innate ability to host world-class meetings, events, and exhibitions.
Talking about the trend, Vikas Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Encalm Hospitality which has lounges in Delhi, Hyderabad and Goa, said the summit saw the participation of a large number of foreign delegates and dignitaries, who were greatly benefited by a variety of hospitality services, including accommodation, dining, and transportation. “The G20 summit has had a positive impact on the airport hospitality industry, strengthening India's standing on a global level. This led to an increase in demand, and the industry responded by expanding its offerings to match the global standards. Leading players invested in new technology and training, in order to provide top notch service to the delegates. Moreover, during the G20 Summit, airport hospitality and meet-and-greet services upgraded their facilities,” said Sharma.
He added, “This newfound recognition is poised to attract more tourists and businesses to the country in the future, contributing to sustained growth, improved industry standards, and better economic prospects. Overall, the G20 Summit showcased India's prowess at its best and paved the way for even better days for the airport hospitality sector.”
Extensive parking facilities were allocated for world leaders' and delegation heads' aircraft at Palam Airport and IGI Airport. Stringent multi-layered security enveloped the airports, and specialised immigration and customs channels were established for G20 delegates, streamlining their arrivals and departures. Senior officials oversaw leader arrivals and departures, ensuring efficient airport procedures and a seamless experience.
Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip commented on this. “In preparation for the significant G20 Summit, the Indian Government took substantial measures. Three dedicated ceremonial lounges were established at Delhi Airport for State Heads, and arrangements were made to accommodate Air Force One and other important aircraft. To ensure hassle-free travel during the G20 Summit, 25 per cent of flights were cancelled from 8 to 11 September to prevent potential congestion issues,” said Pitti.
Pitti further added, “As a part of the travel industry, we were delighted to have witnessed the industry's growth and the preparations for the G20 Summit, which created new opportunities and heightened demand for travel services.”
