MoCA asks airlines to submit foreign operation plans by August end

Ministry was not in favour of allowing international airlines to operate more flights into India till domestic carriers catch up with them; Move might dash the chance of Indian airports being global hubs

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With the aim of halting international airlines increase in operation in India till domestic carriers catch up, the Ministry of Civil Aviation it has asked all domestic airlines to submit, within 15 days, their plans for operating international flights till March 2014.

“If foreign airlines keep operating more and more flights into India then what chance do Indian carriers have to grow and become big players in the international arena?” a senior Government official asked.

At the moment, Air India, Jet, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher are permitted to operate international flights from India. Currently, Air India’s international schedule is shortened due to the effects of the 58-day pilot strike, while Kingfisher has withdrawn from international routes because of its financial troubles.

The data have been sought to assess the capabilities of Indian carriers to operate international flights, he added.

At present, foreign airlines operate 1,356 flights a week to India, while Indian carriers offer less than 1,000 international services as per a report in Business Line.

The new decision could be bad news for airlines from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman that are keen to expand India operations.

Official sources said while what has been agreed under the various international agreements cannot be taken away, steps can be taken to ensure that Indian carriers are not at a loss vis-a-vis international carriers.

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