By Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express

“The Union Budget 2026–27 sends a strong and reassuring signal for India’s long-term growth, anchored in fiscal discipline and a sustained push on infrastructure-led development. The continued emphasis on capital expenditure and destination-focused investment provides a solid structural framework for the expansion of tourism and, by extension, the civil aviation sector.

The Budget’s focus on strengthening medical value tourism and destination development is particularly relevant for aviation, as it creates high-frequency, purpose-driven inbound travel, especially from regions such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia. At the same time, the emphasis on developing heritage, archaeological, and eco-tourism destinations across multiple states will stimulate demand for air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, supporting the next phase of domestic aviation growth.

Importantly, the parallel focus on skilling and professionalising the hospitality and tourism workforce addresses the capacity and service-quality requirements needed to sustain this growth. Taken together, these measures create an ecosystem in which airlines like Air India Express are well positioned to play a meaningful role.”