DURING an aviation conference in Dubai, a top Indian aviation official promised that India would accept more flights from UAE carriers next year, according to media reports.
Ajay Prasad, secretary of the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, said he would be holding talks with Oman in October and with the UAE this winter over new routes to the Indian market, said the Gulf News report.
India is gradually allowing foreign airlines to compete with local carriers. However, at least one UAE carrier has said it is at a disadvantage compared to Indian airlines in opening important new routes between the UAE and India.
Negotiations between India and Qatar last month resulted in new concessions, and Prasad promised the same during the upcoming talks. “Each of these talks will result in more rights,” he said. A half dozen Indian cities are being opened up to foreign competition, Prasad said.