The Skies Are Political Too — IndiGo Defends India’s Flying Rights Strategy
In a bold response to rising global criticism, Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo—India’s largest airline—has spoken out in support of the Indian government’s measured stance on international flying rights. His remarks come amid vocal disapproval from Gulf-based airlines like Emirates, who accuse India of restricting air traffic rights and stifling economic growth. At the core of this debate is India’s cautious approach to bilateral air service agreements, designed not only to protect domestic aviation but to strategically empower it.
Why India’s Bilateral Flying Rights Policy Favors Long-Term Growth
India’s international flying rights are governed through bilateral air service agreements (ASAs)—a mutual arrangement between two countries to determine the frequency, capacity, and routes that airlines can operate. According to Pieter Elbers, these agreements are meant to serve both countries fairly, not simply cater to one side’s demand surge. The CEO argues that one-sided lobbying by foreign carriers shouldn’t influence such deeply strategic decisions.
#FLASH: Pieter Elbers | Resilience of Airlines
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 2, 2025
✈️ At #IATAAGM2025, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers spotlighted the brutal realities of geopolitics for airlines operating in volatile regions.
🇮🇳🆚🇵🇰 “We had to cancel routes due to India-Pakistan airspace closure. But solutions came… pic.twitter.com/edZ57pBLUn
Over the past decade, airlines based in the Gulf—such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad—have maximized their seat allocations and dominated outbound traffic from India. Meanwhile, Indian airlines underutilized their own quotas due to limited international fleets and operational capabilities. This historical imbalance gave foreign airlines a disproportionate share of traffic and revenue, while Indian carriers remained secondary players in their own market.
Elbers emphasizes that India’s current position—refusing to expand flying rights until domestic carriers use their existing quotas—is a “balanced and strategic” policy. It’s not a case of closing doors but of ensuring Indian airlines are equipped to benefit when those doors eventually open wider. With Air India undergoing a significant transformation under Tata Group ownership, and IndiGo ramping up international capacity, India’s aviation policy aims to level the field before renegotiating terms. This approach protects India’s long-term economic interest by gradually building domestic aviation strength rather than making short-term concessions to foreign carriers.
How Indian Carriers Like IndiGo & Air India Are Building Global Competitiveness
India’s aviation policy is not isolationist—it’s aspirational. Elbers’ comments highlight how the Indian government is laying the foundation for the country’s emergence as a global aviation hub, and domestic carriers are now aligning with this vision. IndiGo, traditionally a stronghold in domestic routes, has begun expanding its international footprint with new aircraft orders, codeshare agreements, and destination rollouts across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Similarly, Air India’s new fleet and international service overhaul aim to reclaim lost prestige and establish itself as a serious global competitor.
Both carriers have indicated that unrestricted foreign competition at this stage could stifle their return on investment, undercut pricing strategies, and limit load factors. For Indian airlines to survive and thrive globally, they need controlled access to grow their networks and market presence before being pitted directly against well-established Gulf giants.
Industry experts, including IATA’s Willie Walsh, agree that openness will eventually be necessary—but timing is key. As Indian carriers gain international leverage and market maturity, future negotiations on flying rights will likely be more reciprocal. Until then, India’s measured, sovereignty-first policy reflects its broader ambitions in economic self-reliance, infrastructure development, and global aviation strategy.
Over the past decade, airlines based in the Gulf—such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad—have maximized their seat allocations and dominated outbound traffic from India. Meanwhile, Indian airlines underutilized their own quotas due to limited international fleets and operational capabilities. This historical imbalance gave foreign airlines a disproportionate share of traffic and revenue, while Indian carriers remained secondary players in their own market.
Elbers emphasizes that India’s current position—refusing to expand flying rights until domestic carriers use their existing quotas—is a “balanced and strategic” policy. It’s not a case of closing doors but of ensuring Indian airlines are equipped to benefit when those doors eventually open wider. With Air India undergoing a significant transformation under Tata Group ownership, and IndiGo ramping up international capacity, India’s aviation policy aims to level the field before renegotiating terms. This approach protects India’s long-term economic interest by gradually building domestic aviation strength rather than making short-term concessions to foreign carriers.
How Indian Carriers Like IndiGo & Air India Are Building Global Competitiveness
India’s aviation policy is not isolationist—it’s aspirational. Elbers’ comments highlight how the Indian government is laying the foundation for the country’s emergence as a global aviation hub, and domestic carriers are now aligning with this vision. IndiGo, traditionally a stronghold in domestic routes, has begun expanding its international footprint with new aircraft orders, codeshare agreements, and destination rollouts across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Similarly, Air India’s new fleet and international service overhaul aim to reclaim lost prestige and establish itself as a serious global competitor.
Both carriers have indicated that unrestricted foreign competition at this stage could stifle their return on investment, undercut pricing strategies, and limit load factors. For Indian airlines to survive and thrive globally, they need controlled access to grow their networks and market presence before being pitted directly against well-established Gulf giants.
Industry experts, including IATA’s Willie Walsh, agree that openness will eventually be necessary—but timing is key. As Indian carriers gain international leverage and market maturity, future negotiations on flying rights will likely be more reciprocal. Until then, India’s measured, sovereignty-first policy reflects its broader ambitions in economic self-reliance, infrastructure development, and global aviation strategy.
