India’s Akasa Air Announces Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar Flights, but Dubai on Hold
The Indian civil aviation authorities have reportedly granted flying rights to the new domestic low-cost carrier Akasa Air for international operations in three countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
These rights are allocated based on existing bilateral agreements.
However, the airline will have to wait to commence flights to popular destinations like Dubai, as the existing bilaterals for this region have been completely exhausted, the Times of India reported.
Akasa Air has to now apply to be designated as an official Indian airline and seek approval from the respective countries before applying for airport slots.
The reported nod for commencing international flights comes at a time when the airline is facing major challenges due to a pilot exodus.
It currently operates a fleet of 20 aircraft. The eligibility to fly abroad is based on the amended 0/20 rule, allowing Indian carriers with a minimum of 20 aircraft to do so.
Bilateral flying rights with several key destinations for Indians, like Dubai, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah, are currently either fully or nearly fully exhausted, making it difficult for new carriers such as Akasa Air to start flights or existing airlines to add additional capacities.
Bilaterals are signed between two countries to be used by designated carriers on each side.
