In a landmark move that marks the first change in aviation agreements between India and Kuwait in nearly two decades, both countries have agreed to increase flying rights by 50%. The revision—long awaited by airlines and passengers alike—reflects the growing demand for connectivity and stronger economic and social ties between the two nations. Under the updated bilateral agreement, airlines from both countries will now be able to operate up to 18,000 seats per week, up from the previous limit of 12,000 seats. This is the first amendment to air traffic rights between India and Kuwait in 17 years, and it signals a shift in India’s typically conservative approach to bilateral aviation policies.
“This is a major step forward. With growth, both countries will allow more airlines from either side to fly. This will help move more passengers, serve the large Indian diaspora in Kuwait, and support growing trade, tourism, and business,” said a senior Indian civil aviation official.
The India-Kuwait route has long operated at or near full capacity. As of now, airlines such as Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Jazeera Airways, and Kuwait Airways run around 40 flights daily between the two countries, making it one of the busiest corridors in the Gulf region. With this increase, the route will now be able to accommodate more travellers and possibly new airlines, offering passengers more choices and better schedules. One key reason for this demand is the large Indian community in Kuwait, which is estimated at around 1 million people as of 2023. Indians represent the largest expatriate group in Kuwait, accounting for 21% of its total population and 30% of its workforce. With this deep social and economic linkage, the need for increased air connectivity has been evident for years.
This move also reflects a broader shift in India’s aviation policy. For years, India has been cautious about opening its skies, largely to protect domestic carriers and manage infrastructure limitations. But growing pressure from international airlines and an increase in travel demand—especially from the Gulf region—have prompted a policy rethink. The Middle East, home to a significant portion of India’s overseas population, has been vocal about India’s tight bilateral air service agreements. In June, Emirates President Tim Clark publicly criticized India’s restrictive approach, saying it limits India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub. He argued that more open skies are crucial for any country aspiring to be a major international air transit center. India’s own airlines are now joining the chorus. Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, welcomed the move, noting that it aligns well with Air India’s plans to expand its fleet and international network. “To grow globally, we need more access and more flying rights,” he said.
The increase in flying rights between India and Kuwait comes at a pivotal time. The global aviation industry is still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many countries are now working to strengthen international travel and trade ties. This agreement is not just about flights—it’s about fostering deeper economic, tourism, and people-to-people connections. With India aiming to position itself as a hub for global aviation, such steps can help it tap into the fast-growing Middle Eastern and African markets. For Kuwait, which has long requested expanded access to Indian cities, the agreement offers a chance to better serve its large Indian community and improve commercial links. It also allows Kuwaiti carriers more room to compete and expand.
This new agreement is expected to set the tone for future bilateral negotiations with other Gulf nations. It reflects a growing recognition within Indian policymaking circles of the need to liberalize aviation, not just to accommodate demand, but to boost the country’s standing in the global aviation market. India and Kuwait’s decision to expand flying rights by 50% is more than a technical policy adjustment—it is a signal of changing times. It shows that India is ready to evolve its aviation strategy in tune with global dynamics, respond to increasing regional demands, and offer more options to travellers. As both nations move forward with this renewed partnership, airlines and passengers alike stand to benefit from better connectivity, increased capacity, and more opportunities to travel, trade, and connect.
