Conflicts in the region have disrupted key air routes and led to restrictions across major transit corridors long used by Indian travelers heading abroad. As a result, many are moving away from traditional itineraries that transit through the Middle East in favour of destinations that are closer, more accessible, and perceived as more reliable, according to Business Today.

For years, Middle Eastern hubs have played a central role in connecting India to global destinations, particularly during peak travel seasons. That role, however, is now gradually changing.

Data from travel platform Ixigo shows a strong increase in bookings to Asian destinations this month, led by Vietnam, which recorded a 130% year on year rise. Other destinations also posted notable growth, including Nepal (up 88%), Sri Lanka (68%), Indonesia (33%), Singapore (32%), and Thailand (22%). Southeast Asia has emerged as the primary beneficiary of this rerouting trend.

Domestic travel within India is also gaining momentum, as tourists opt for shorter and more convenient trips. Udaipur saw bookings rise by 69%, followed by Jodhpur (47%) and Bagdogra - gateway to Darjeeling and Sikkim - at 44%. Srinagar and Agartala recorded increases of 41% and 38%, respectively, while established destinations such as Goa, Jammu, and Dehradun continued to see steady demand.

Aloke Bajpai, co-founder and CEO of Ixigo, said the shift underscores a broader change in traveler behaviour. Indian tourists, he noted, are becoming more responsive to global uncertainty, favoring trips with shorter travel times, fewer transit risks, and greater predictability.

Vietnam, in particular, has seen rapid growth in arrivals from India in recent years. Once a relatively small market, India has now become one of Vietnam’s top 10 source markets, alongside established contributors such as China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

By 2025, the number of Indian visitors to Vietnam is projected to be 4.5 times higher than in 2019. The country welcomed nearly 750,000 Indian tourists over the past year, marking a 49% increase and placing India among its six largest inbound markets. Between 2019 and 2024, Vietnam also ranked among the four fastest-growing outbound destinations for Indian travelers.

In Quarter 1 2026 alone, Vietnam received approximately 242,656 Indian visitors, up 69.3% year on year. Tourism authorities view India, now the world’s most populous country, as a high-potential market. Among destinations within Vietnam, Phu Quoc has attracted the most interest, with a 47% rise in searches, followed by Da Nang and Nha Trang.

Travel agencies say Indian tourists are increasingly diverse in their preferences. While traditional group tours remain popular, there is growing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) travel, family vacations, and destination weddings.

With this mix of travel segments, from large organized groups to independent travelers, India is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising markets for Vietnam’s tourism industry, which is targeting around one million Indian visitors this year.

Vietnam–Middle East flights continue to face disruptions amid regional tensions

VOV.VN - Flights between Vietnam and major Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to be canceled, rescheduled or suspended as tightening airspace restrictions linked to ongoing regional tensions disrupt international aviation, affecting thousands of passengers.