India and Belgium Set to Expand Tourism and Trade

India and Belgium are working to restore direct flights as Brussels Airport engages with Air India and IndiGo, aiming to boost connectivity and the travel sector. Brussels Airport (BRU) is actively pursuing the reestablishment of direct flights between India and Belgium. Currently, airport executives are in Delhi, engaging with senior officials from Air India and IndiGo, as reported by the Hindu Business Line. The talks are part of a broader Belgian economic delegation visiting India, led by Princess Astrid, along with federal ministers and business leaders. This visit aims to bolster economic ties and foster new opportunities in trade and travel between the two nations. In 2024, Brussels Airport managed 23.6 million passengers and handled over 700,000 tonnes of cargo. Although Belgium boasts strong air links with China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and various Middle Eastern hubs, India remains the largest untapped Asian market. Historical Context of Airline Engagement Previously, Jet Airways connected Brussels with India until 2016, when it shifted its operations to Amsterdam for better North American connectivity. Brussels Airlines briefly resumed direct flights to Mumbai in 2017 but halted them in January 2019 for commercial reasons. The absence of direct flights since 2019, coupled with growing demand for non-stop services, presents a significant opportunity for both Air India and IndiGo. Strategic Benefits for Air India and IndiGo Brussels Airport, with its strategic partnerships including Lufthansa’s ownership of Brussels Airlines and a Star Alliance membership, offers potential benefits for Air India. This could serve as a springboard for expanding its European operations through enhanced network synergies. IndiGo, known for its extensive international ambitions, could leverage its new Boeing 787 leases from Norse Atlantic Airways to establish a foothold in Europe, starting with Belgium. This expansion would not only increase its market presence but also meet the rising demand for direct connections. Cargo and Pharmaceutical Trade Potential Establishing a direct route would also significantly boost cargo exchanges, especially in pharmaceuticals, given Belgium’s status as a leading European pharma hub. Such connectivity would streamline the transport of vital healthcare products between the two countries. Overview of Current India-Europe Flights Air India dominates the India-Europe air travel market, covering cities such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt. IndiGo, meanwhile, is extending its reach with plans for long-haul routes, potentially adding Brussels to its growing list of destinations.