In an unprecedented decision reflecting the depth of relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries in the field of air transport, Kuwait and India will lift the number of flights of the two countries by 50% from 12,000 to 18,000 each side per week. The first in close to 20 years, the expansion has been made in response to a greater need for people to travel between the two countries – including a significant expatriate Indian community in Kuwait. Under the contract savings will be passed on to passengers through competitive travel pricing, the alleviation of price increases and greater accessibility, resulting in a more flexible and efficient passenger experience. With the substantial increase in air capacity, the two countries will have enhanced connectivity and increased flexibility of operations for airlines.

India and Kuwait have formalized a historic agreement to expand their air travel capacity, representing a major advancement in their aviation partnership. This agreement will enhance the bilateral air capacity by fifty percent, increasing the weekly seat allocation from 12,000 to 18,000 seats for each country.The updated arrangement, signed after nearly two decades of unchanged terms, was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.

The agreement was the result of negotiations between Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of Civil Aviation from the UAE. This follows discussions held during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Kuwait in December. The revised air service agreement is the first capacity expansion since 2006, when the quota was increased from 8,320 to the current 12,000 seats per week.

The expansion of air capacity comes at a crucial time, with increasing demand for travel between India and Kuwait, particularly for the sizable Indian expatriate community living in Kuwait. Many of these individuals come from southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. By increasing the seat allocation, the new agreement aims to reduce fare pressures and provide more affordable and accessible travel options for passengers.

The newly revised air service agreement also promises to improve connectivity by offering additional flights and seat availability.At present, approximately 40 flights operate daily between India and Kuwait, with Kuwait Airways taking the lead, offering 54 weekly flights. Following closely behind is IndiGo, which operates 36 weekly flights. Other airlines operating on this route include Jazeera Airways, Akasa Air, and Air India Express, offering passengers a range of options for their travel needs.

A major benefit of the revised agreement is the enhanced access Indian airlines will gain to airport slots in Kuwait.For years, Indian carriers have faced difficulties securing timely slots at Kuwait International Airport, which has limited their ability to efficiently operate on this busy route. The new agreement alleviates this challenge by opening up more slots for Indian airlines, thus enhancing operational flexibility.

This deal represents a significant shift in the aviation landscape between India and the Gulf region. The Gulf states, including Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, are among the largest aviation markets for India. Millions of Indian nationals reside and work in these countries, fueling demand for frequent air travel between the regions. In particular, Indian nationals have long been a vital part of the labor force in Kuwait, with many making regular trips back home to visit family, attend to personal matters, or for medical treatments. The expanded air capacity will provide much-needed support for these travelers, enabling them to travel more conveniently.

Indian carriers have long sought additional seats and airport slots in Gulf countries to better compete with the region’s powerful Middle Eastern airlines, which dominate the airspace with their extensive networks and superior services. The revised agreement with Kuwait aims to create a more level playing field for Indian airlines, enabling them to increase their market share in the region and compete on equal terms with their Middle Eastern counterparts.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has emphasized that this agreement is part of a broader strategy to modernize and revise the country’s bilateral air service agreements. These revisions aim to better align with current market trends and passenger demands, ensuring that Indian airlines can thrive in an increasingly competitive global aviation market. This is consistent with India’s efforts to enhance its international air connectivity and foster greater travel opportunities for both citizens and foreign visitors.

Kuwait’s aviation authorities have also expressed strong support for the deal, seeing it as a strategic move that will not only benefit their nationals traveling to India for business, healthcare, and leisure but also strengthen bilateral relations with India. This move is seen as an important step in fostering closer ties between the two nations, building upon the diplomatic and economic collaboration that has been growing steadily in recent years.

As India and Kuwait embark on this new chapter of their aviation partnership, both countries stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity, greater operational flexibility, and a significant boost in passenger traffic. The deal reflects the evolving nature of global aviation markets and underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in meeting the needs of modern travelers.

Kuwait and India have raised seat entitlements by 50 percent, which now stands at 18,000 seats for each side per week, to cater to the growing demand and to enhance connectivity which would in turn come to the aid of airlines and our traveling public.

Moving forward, the limitation of the capacity on air travel between India and Kuwait will have widespread implications not just for the airlines but also for many millions that are dependant on these services for personal, professional and medical purposes. With more choice, it means less costs and greater convenience,” This will continue to impact the UAE-Nigeria travel experience, and would set the right tone for a positive precedent in terms of the introduction and implementation of such bilateral agreements with other nations in the Gulf sub-region.