India could be getting more flights

Airlines in several countries across the world are waiting for bilateral air traffic agreements before announcing new destinations in India.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is one such company interested in expanding its reach into India. Indonesian airline Gardua and Air Mauritius are also looking to get into the game.

Chairman for PIA, Zaffar Ahmad Khan said, “”We would like to operate to more cities in India, but will have to wait for bilateral negotiations between the two governments as we are utilising all (air traffic) rights granted by India.”

In addition to its current flights from Karachi and Lahore to Delhi and Mumbai, PIA is also interested in offering flights to Chennai, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram. Ideally they would be offered three times a week, subject to demand.

Chairman for Air Mauritius, Sanjay Bhuckory was more interested in the Indian destination of Bangalore. “There has been a strong and steady growth of Indian tourists to Mauritius and our flight to Bangalore will complement those we operate to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai”, he said.

Gardua’s vice president, Pujobroto said that the airline was looking at flying between Jakarta and Chennai and would like to offer four flights a week. But flights to Chennai and to other cities in India would depend on getting air traffic rights.

Increasing flights within the region may lead to stronger ties between neighboring countries. PIA’s chairman is hopeful of this. “The differences between India and Pakistan are being resolved. There are lot of opportunities developing between the two countries”, Khan said.

www.piac.com.pk