In a rare decision, India has increased the number of flight seats available between India and Kuwait by 50%. The new agreement allows 18,000 seats per week, up from the previous 12,000. This means that airlines from both countries can now operate more flights to meet growing demand.
The deal was signed by India’s Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and Kuwait’s aviation head Sheikh Hamoud Al-Mubarak. This is the first time in 18 years that Kuwait’s flying rights with India have been increased. Earlier, in 2005, the seat capacity had gone from 8,320 to 12,000.
Many airlines such as Air India Express, Akasa, IndiGo, Jazeera Airways, and Kuwait Airways fly between the two nations. Currently, around 40 flights operate daily, with Kuwait Airways flying the most at 54 flights per week, followed by IndiGo with 36.
Due to growing travel demand, Kuwait had been asking for more flying rights, just like other Middle Eastern regions such as Dubai. Over the past year, India has also signed new air agreements with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan.
Since 2014, the Indian government has focused on protecting the interests of Indian airlines. Efforts include:
- Expanding Indian airports to make them global travel hubs
- Privatizing Air India and Air India Express
- Supporting new airlines like Akasa Air
- Helping IndiGo grow despite global challenges
This new agreement is expected to boost air travel, benefit passengers, and support the aviation industry in both countries.
