India, UK to Increase Flights Between Delhi, Mumbai, and London

In a significant development for air travel between India and the United Kingdom (UK), the two nations are on the brink of finalizing a new agreement that will facilitate increased flight operations between Delhi, Mumbai, and London Heathrow Airport.

Sources cited in a report by ET reveal that this new deal is poised to enhance the weekly flight count between these Indian cities and London from the existing 56 to a more robust 70.

This strategic move is expected to provide a considerable boost to air travel and foster stronger ties between the two nations.

Key Changes to the Air Service Agreement

The current air service agreement between India and the UK operates on a different model, relying on flight quotas determined by destinations. In 2017, an open sky agreement was signed, permitting unrestricted flights between most Indian cities, with the exception of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, where flight capacity was restricted to 14 flights per week.

• The current flight capacity of 56 weekly flights between Delhi, Mumbai, and Heathrow will be increased to 70.
• This revision is necessary because British airlines, notably British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have exhausted their existing quotas and were unable to introduce new flight routes.
• British Airways currently operates 54 flights per week connecting Mumbai and Delhi to London.
• Virgin Atlantic currently operates 42 flights per week connecting Mumbai and Delhi to London.

Why the new agreement is necessary

The current air service agreement between India and the UK was signed in 2005 and has not been updated since. In the years since, the demand for air travel between the two countries has increased significantly.

This is due to a number of factors, including the growing Indian diaspora in the UK, the UK’s popularity as a tourist and business destination for Indians, and the increase in trade and investment between the two countries.

Benefits of the new agreement

The new air service agreement will benefit both countries in a number of ways. For India, it will provide more opportunities for Indian airlines to expand their operations and increase their market share. It will also make it easier for Indian businesses and tourists to travel to the UK.

For the UK, the new agreement will provide more options for British consumers and businesses. It will also help to boost the UK economy by increasing the number of visitors from India.

Challenges to implementing the new agreement

One of the main challenges to implementing the new agreement is the limited availability of landing slots at London Heathrow Airport. Indian airlines have already requested government intervention to secure additional slots, as they intend to take advantage of the new agreement.

However, Airport Coordination Limited, the agency responsible for slot allocation at UK airports, has clarified that the slot allocation process is independent of bilateral agreements between countries.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, the new air service agreement between India and the UK is a positive development for both countries. It is a reflection of the strong ties between the two countries and their commitment to boosting trade and tourism.