Case for direct flight between NZ and India gets stronger: record level of passengers in month of May

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The number of travellers between New Zealand and India continues to grow – a development which could very much boost the much anticipated case for a direct flight between New Zealand and India.

Singapore Airlines has experienced a growth in travel between India and New Zealand according to Singapore Airlines General Manager New Zealand, Mr Simon Turcotte, who says they have seen the inbound demand to New Zealand grow by more than 20 per cent year-on-year.

Figures released last week by Stats NZ showed strong demand for travel between New Zealand and the Indian subcontinent has risen with 9,100 visitors coming from India in the month of May 2018, up 2,100 from the same month last year.

For the first time, India overtook the United Kingdom to become the fourth-largest source of visitors to New Zealand for the month.

Year on year (May 2018) travel from India increased by more than 20.7 per cent to just over 66,000 visitor arrivals.

Such has been the rate of growth in travel demand from the Indian subcontinent to New Zealand that Tourism New Zealand has decided to expand its annual trade event, Kiwi Link India to three cities this year.

As one of just three airlines who participate in the annual event, Mr Turcotte says Singapore Airlines will continue work closely with the Indian community to highlight and promote the convenient connections between the two countries.

“The Indian sub-continent is a key market for Singapore Airlines. We offer around 104 flights every week to 14-destinations on the Indian sub-continent from our Singapore hub,” Mr Turcotte said.

“A lot of these flights connect seamlessly onto our services to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch providing the most convenient travel options for those wanting to visit New Zealand.”

Travel from New Zealand to India is also on the up with the Stats NZ figures showing more than 75,000 Kiwis travelling to the Indian sub-continent in the year ending May 2018, an increase of 12.1 per cent year-on-year.

According to Mr Turcotte the increasing interest in travel between New Zealand and the Indian sub-continent wasn’t surprising.

“Both countries have a rich culture, some incredible food and magnificent natural scenery, with an experience for everyone’s taste and budget,” Mr Turcotte said.

“With India’s popularity on the rise, we would encourage New Zealanders looking to travel to India over the peak summer period of November through February to book their flights now.”

Customers can book their next trip to India on singaporeair.com or talk to their local travel agent.