Govt refuses airlines’ plea for more bilateral rights

NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government is set to continue in its second term the policy of not increasing foreign flying rights with countries in West Asia and Southeast Asia, as their allocation has been controversial in the past and was flagged by Indian audit and investigation agencies.

In a recent meeting at the civil aviation ministry, a request from airlines to increase bilateral foreign flying rights with certain countries was not entertained and the airlines were asked to look at other available routes, according to people aware of the matter.

“Suggestions were made to start flights to long-haul destinations like London and Canada and also to Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries,” said one person, who did not wish to be identified.