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The Governments of India and United Kingdom have today signed a MoU to enhance the number of flights and frequencies between the two countries.
According to the Memorandum signed, for India, there can be 56 flights from Delhi and Mumbai to London-Heathrow, and unlimited flights from India to UK on all other routes. For UK, there is a staggered increase of flights from London-Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai – 42 in winters 2005, 49 in summers 2006 and 56 in winters 2006. In addition, there can be 14 flights a week from UK to Bangalore and Chennai and 7 flights a week from UK to any other city in India.
Recognising the need for further expanding and strengthening bilateral ties and keeping in view the traffic potential and passenger demand for more international air services, the Government of India and the British Government had on 22nd July 2004 agreed in principle to enhance the number of flights and increase the frequencies, between the two countries. This was agreed to during the talks held between the Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Praful Patel and his British counterpart Mr. Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport, at London.
Two-day official level bilateral talks between the two countries were concluded here today. The Indian side was led by Shri Ajay Prasad, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
At present, British Airways is operating 19 flights to India weekly, while Air India operates 12 flights to UK in a week. The India-UK sector is one of the most important markets for both the countries and there is ample scope for introducing more flights.
MC/RTS/NSR
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