After JFK Airport in New York, San Francisco has become the second most prominent entry point for Indians coming to the United States. This surge in Indian travelers is largely attributed to Air India’s expansion and the introduction of new non-stop flights, as per officials who recently visited Mumbai to explore opportunities within the lucrative Indian market.
Kevin Bumen, the Chief Financial & Commercial Officer at San Francisco International Airport, stated that their market analysis indicates a daily average of approximately 1,100 passengers traveling between San Francisco, the Bay Area, and India. Air India has been a notable success story, managing to grow and thrive during the pandemic by making significant strides in expanding their operations in San Francisco.
San Francisco ranks as the second most frequented gateway in the US for Indian travelers, with 17 weekly flights, closely following JFK Airport’s 21 weekly flights. If United Airlines were operating at full capacity, San Francisco could potentially claim the top spot with an additional 14 weekly flights.
Air India offers nonstop flights
Air India now offers nonstop flights from San Francisco to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, making it an exciting development in the travel industry. Indian travelers to San Francisco are approaching pre-pandemic levels, which is a positive sign, according to Hubertus Funke, the executive vice president and chief tourism officer of the San Francisco Travel Association. In 2019, San Francisco Airport hosted around 210,000 visitors, and they anticipate double-digit growth from the Indian market in the coming years.
The recent visit by San Francisco officials aimed to emphasise India’s significance as one of the fastest-growing overseas visitor markets for the city. They are committed to providing immersive travel experiences and strengthening cultural ties to cater to Indian tourists visiting San Francisco.
India’s importance as a visitor market for San Francisco is evident, with India being among the top five visitor markets in 2022, welcoming 150,000 visitors. The projected 34% growth in visitor volume from India in 2023 reflects the strong relationship between the two regions.
During their stay in Mumbai, the delegates held meetings with key stakeholders to explore opportunities for mutual understanding, cooperation, and potential future collaborations. They are enthusiastic about fostering stronger ties and enhancing mutual understanding between India and San Francisco, leveraging India’s growing role as a visitor market.
Kevin Bumen emphasised the immense potential India holds for San Francisco and expressed their commitment to further strengthening the connection between the two regions, making San Francisco International Airport the preferred choice for Indian travelers.
Hubertus Funke highlighted not only the increased number of Indians traveling through San Francisco but also the substantial growth in spending by Indian visitors. For 2023, they anticipate spending of nearly USD 440 million, with a further 63% increase in spending expected for 2024. The demand for airlift and Air India’s expansion are clear indicators of the strong potential for visitor growth in the coming years.