Kuwait And India Sign Air Services Agreement To Increase Weekly Capacity By 50%

Kuwait and India have formalised a new air services agreement, aiming to boost weekly air capacity by 50%. This collaboration will enable airlines to increase their seating capacity to 18,000 seats per week in each direction, up from the previous limit of 12,000. The agreement marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral air travel between the two countries.

An MoU on air travel was signed by Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al Sabah, Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation president, and Samir Kumar Sinha, India's Civil Aviation secretary, as reported by KUNA.

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The agreement represents the first expansion of bilateral air rights since 2006. Back then, the capacity was increased from 8,320 seats. Sheikh Hamoud Al Sabah highlighted that this long-awaited deal is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and strategic partnership between Kuwait and India in civil aviation.

Sheikh Hamoud Al Sabah stated, "It will support and expand the air transport market for both nations, with a focus on meeting the expectations of travellers and aligning with the evolving dynamics of the aviation industry."

Currently, airlines such as Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa Air operate nearly 40 flights daily on the India-Kuwait route. Among these carriers, Kuwait Airways leads with 54 weekly flights. IndiGo follows closely with 36 flights weekly, making them prominent players on this route.

Reports suggest that IndiGo is seeking an additional 5,000 seats per week. Meanwhile, Air India Express and Akasa Air have requested an increase of 3,000 seats each. Air India aims to boost its capacity by 1,500 seats.

The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by August 2025. Indian airlines are coordinating with Kuwait International Airport to secure new time slots for these additional flights. This agreement underscores ongoing efforts to deepen coordination and strategic partnership between Kuwait and India in civil aviation.