In a groundbreaking move, India has proposed a unique approach to bilateral negotiations with Kuwait, seeking nine additional seats for every extra seat granted to Kuwait under the enhancement of existing bilateral agreements. This unconventional ratio, a departure from the traditional 1:1 basis, signifies India’s strategic move to prioritize its interests in the evolving aviation landscape.
India, with ambitions to develop its own aviation hubs, such as Air India, IndiGo, and new players like Akasa, has put forward the 9:1 ratio. This stands in contrast to the current scenario, where Kuwaiti carriers have nine points of call (cities they fly to) in India, while Indian airlines operate solely to Kuwait City.
Sources reveal that historically, discussions on flying rights’ enhancement have always adhered to a bilateral or 1:1 basis. This proposal marks the first instance where India’s Ministry of Aviation has suggested a specific ratio to a foreign country seeking increased flying rights.
Under the existing bilateral agreements, designated airlines of Kuwait and India can collectively operate about 12,000 seats per week. These agreements, unchanged for nearly a decade, prompted Kuwait to seek an additional 7,000 seats.
With India focusing on building its mega hubs and strengthening its aviation sector, the government is cautious about allocating more seats to neighboring hubs that historically served as transfer points for passengers traveling between India and the rest of the world. The Modi government’s bilateral policies over the last decade have consistently prioritized the interests of Indian airlines and hubs.
Upon Kuwait’s request for more seats, Indian aviation authorities consulted with domestic carriers, who expressed willingness to fly to Kuwait. The proposed 9:1 ratio emphasizes the points of call offered by each side, with Indian airlines operating point-to-point flights, while Kuwaiti carriers handle traffic from India beyond.
Kuwait has reportedly agreed to this proposal, expressing a preference for a 1:1 ratio for enhancing bilateral agreements. India has reiterated its logic behind the points of call while emphasizing the proposed ratio.
As Indian carriers invest in expanding their fleets with wide-body aircraft and developing more direct flights globally, this strategic move aims to align flying rights with the interests of Indian passengers and the country’s growing aviation ecosystem.
