Starting December, 5 Weekly Flights! EVA Air Launches Direct Taipei-Delhi Route – What Makes India Attractive?

EVA Air (2618) announced the launch of a direct flight route between Taoyuan and Delhi, India, starting December 1. The airline will operate five weekly flights, becoming the only Taiwanese carrier currently offering direct service to India, fulfilling the rising air transport demand between Taiwan and India.

EVA Air’s five weekly flights make it the only Taiwanese airline with direct service to India. (Provided by EVA Air)

As global supply chains continue to restructure, India is increasingly becoming a key strategic base for international enterprises. The new route targets not only business and tourism markets but also marks a significant milestone for EVA Air in deepening its South Asian presence and enhancing its global network.

Why target the Indian market?

EVA Air CEO Sun Jia-Ming stated that with technology sectors such as electronics manufacturing and AI semiconductors accelerating global expansion, companies including Foxconn, MediaTek, Delta Electronics, and Wistron have already established operations in India. This has led to a continuous rise in business exchanges between Taiwan and India.

The launch of the Delhi route will create a more efficient direct business corridor, strengthening bilateral economic, trade, and industrial ties. For EVA Air, India is not just an emerging tourism market but also a strategically important hub amid global supply chain shifts. By expanding into Delhi, EVA Air aims to further penetrate the South Asian market and reinforce Taoyuan Airport’s role as an Asian transit hub.

How will this route connect India, Taiwan, and North America?

The EVA Air Taipei–Delhi route will be operated using the Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Previously, travelers between Taiwan and India often had to transit via Bangkok or Hong Kong, increasing travel time and reducing business efficiency. The new direct route is expected to significantly improve travel convenience between the two regions.

Additionally, through a strategic partnership with Star Alliance member Air India, EVA Air will enable passengers arriving in India to seamlessly connect to major Indian cities. Indian travelers, in turn, can transfer via Taoyuan Airport to EVA Air’s 10 direct destinations in North America, forming a new “India–Taiwan–North America” transit network. This will serve diverse market needs such as tech conferences, academic exchanges, study abroad programs, and family visits.

Can India’s tourism market become the next growth driver?

Beyond business travel, India’s tourism market holds substantial potential. Delhi, as India’s economic, cultural, and transportation hub, serves a metropolitan area of over 30 million people and acts as a key gateway for exploring India.

EVA Air, in collaboration with travel agencies, is launching 7- to 10-day group tour packages covering the classic “Golden Triangle” route—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The itineraries include UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic cities, local markets, religious architecture, yoga experiences, and Indian cuisine, complemented by stays at five-star and palace hotels with Mandarin-speaking tour guides, targeting the premium tourism segment.

What new business opportunities arise from Indian travelers transiting through Taiwan?

With rising Indian demand for travel to the U.S. and Canada, EVA Air sees potential in the transit market. Indian nationals traveling to North America may qualify for visa-free entry into Taiwan under certain conditions. Future plans could include “half-day Taiwan tours” for transit passengers, enriching their travel experience while boosting Taiwan’s tourism and transit economy.

Through the Delhi route, EVA Air will further strengthen Taoyuan Airport’s role in Asia’s aviation network, linking South Asia, Northeast Asia, and North America, and unlocking new international travel and business opportunities.