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Remodelling the UAE-India aviation partnership
During a recent tour of the Navi Mumbai International Airport in Maharashtra, I was deeply impressed by the scale of India’s aviation ambitions. The airport has the potential to be a game-changer, propelling India’s aviation sector to new heights and providing greater connectivity for Indian travelers.
As India, already the world’s third-largest domestic market by passenger numbers, continues its rapid aviation growth—supported by government initiatives like the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme—it is crucial to adopt an equally visionary approach to regulation and international partnerships.
The UAE as a Vital Travel Destination
For decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a close strategic partner of India. Today, it stands as India’s most significant outbound travel market, with over 4.5 million Indian tourists visiting the UAE in 2023. Indian carriers operate more than 600 weekly flights to the UAE, while UAE carriers operate over 500 weekly flights to India.
Despite these numbers, the demand far exceeds supply. This imbalance has led to rising ticket prices and limited options for travelers from both countries. Under the current bilateral air service agreements, UAE carriers are restricted to operating flights to only 15 Indian cities, leaving high-demand centers like Surat, Visakhapatnam, Indore, Tiruchirappalli, and Patna underserved. Similarly, Indian carriers cannot increase their frequency to Dubai, despite significant demand for travel related to family, business, and leisure.
The Need for a Modernized Strategy
With estimates suggesting that a 1% increase in Indian passport holders could lead to 10 million more Indians traveling overseas, the existing restrictions will only become more problematic. If bilateral regulations remain rigid, airline ticket prices will continue to rise, limiting Indian citizens’ ability to travel abroad and potentially hampering broader UAE-India economic partnerships.
Just as the UAE and India have expanded economic cooperation through agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), an urgent need exists for a more progressive and open approach to aviation. A modernized aviation strategy could drive investment, strengthen trade ties, and transform the UAE-India aviation partnership into a key pillar of regional and international connectivity.
Beyond revising regulatory frameworks, the UAE is keen to support India’s ambition to become a global aviation powerhouse. This could take the form of:
(i) Knowledge-sharing and pilot training programs
(ii) Partnering in India’s fast-growing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector
(iii) Promoting India’s globally renowned tourism industry
(iv) Investing in the UDAN airport scheme to enhance connectivity in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
(v) Creating mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries’ airline carriers
Cooperation Over Competition
There is an opportunity to establish a combined aviation ecosystem that prioritizes collaboration over competition. Through greater engagement, both countries can expand their aviation sectors while ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers.
Just as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become global aviation hubs, emerging Indian cities can achieve similar connectivity. Strengthening aviation links to these cities will not only boost India’s economy but also contribute to global travel and trade networks.
Enhanced cooperation in aviation is just one example of how the UAE-India partnership can evolve to unlock new avenues for mutual growth. Building upon recent strides in bilateral ties, even the sky is not the limit for what we can achieve together.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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