Delhi-Taipei launch first step as EVA Air considers India growth on demand.
EVA Air is promoting Delhi as a vital gateway to India and Taipei as a springboard for Indian travellers moving beyond Taiwan, mainly to North America, with the start of nonstop services between the two cities on December 1, 2026.
Terry Ma, EVA Air’s General Manager, told Travel Trends Today on the sidelines of the airline’s pre-launch engagement with the Indian travel trade that increased demand across travel segments made it the appropriate time to strengthen its position in India.
“India has one of the world’s most potential aviation markets. We believe this is the appropriate time to increase our footprint in India because to economic growth and rising demand for business, education, leisure, and VFR travel,” Ma added.
Delhi is a major political, commercial, and aviation hub with a big local and connecting passenger market. He added that EVA Air hopes to strengthen the direct connection between India and Taiwan and use Taipei as a gateway to North America, Northeast Asia, Oceania, and other locations through the Delhi–Taipei route.
Ma also considers the Air India collaboration significant. EVA Air plans to use its agreement with the Indian carrier to get passengers from other Indian cities aboard the new service via Delhi, rather than just Delhi. The partnership would help the airline expand its client base and create a more sustainable passenger mix.
According to Ma. “We will continue to monitor market demand and our partnership with Air India and evaluate opportunities to deepen the cooperation when appropriate.”
This airline is purposely keeping its future move in India open. EVA Air is commencing its India expansion in Delhi, but it has not committed to a second city or more frequency. Ma said future expansion depends on market demand, route performance, and operating conditions.
He said “successfully launch and develop” the Delhi–Taipei service first. Airbus A330-300s with full-service cabins will initially operate the route. EVA Air will be the sole Taiwanese carrier offering nonstop flights between India and Taiwan five times a week.
Overall, EVA Air is renewing its fleet with Boeing 777, 787, A330, and A321 aircraft. Ma said newer aircraft will boost customer comfort while the airline improved meals, entertainment, and service.
As it launches in India, EVA Air is also considering growth in Boston, Barcelona, Helsinki, and Istanbul in Europe, and selected Asian destinations. Ma said new routes would be evaluated based on demand, fleet availability, and efficiency.
Vikramjit Singh Ahluwalia, Managing Director, World Connect (EVA Air’s General Sales Agent in India), spoke alongside Ma at the pre-launch event. He asked trade for help, saying, “With EVA Air starting five flights a week between Delhi and Taipei from December 1, operated by the A330 with 30 business-class and 279 economy seats, the opportunity for the Indian travel trade is significant. EVA Air connects Taipei to 10 North American locations with 98 weekly flights, as well as Japan, Korea, mainland China, and Australia.”
As a Star Alliance member and Skytrax five-star airline, EVA Air delivers exceptional connectivity and service. Bookings from our partners show strong interest. We look forward to their help in expanding this market, as trade promotion is crucial to the success of any new flight.
