PMO raises query over AirAsia India’s international rights

NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has asked the aviation ministry to explain why AirAsia India would be allowed to fly international when its approvals are being contested in a court after a BJP MP wrote to the top office.

The PMO raised the query along with a letter from MP Subramaniam Swamy, urging the government to not let AirAsia India fly overseas due to the court case, and sought replies from the aviation ministry.

Swamy had moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the airline’s appeal for international flying rights, saying it was in violation of the foreign direct investment norms. He, however, refused to comment on the matter now. “We have received three reminders from the PMO on replies to the letter by the MP. We are in the process of replying to the letter with a detailed response over the issue,” said an aviation ministry official, refusing to be identified.