In a major move to enhance bilateral air connectivity, India and Kuwait have signed a new air services agreement, increasing the weekly air travel capacity by 50%, according to Gulf News.
The new agreement raises the weekly seat capacity to 18,000 in each direction, up from the previous 12,000, marking the first significant expansion since 2006, when the limit was increased from 8,320 seats.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al Sabah, President of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Samir Kumar Sinha, India’s Civil Aviation Secretary.
Sheikh Hamoud Al Sabah stated the agreement would expand the air transport market, meet growing passenger demand, and reflect the evolving needs of the aviation industry. He also emphasized its role in strengthening strategic ties between the two nations.
Currently, airlines such as Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa Air operate around 40 flights daily on the India-Kuwait route. Among them, Kuwait Airways leads with 54 weekly flights, followed by IndiGo with 36.
Indian carriers are actively seeking expanded access:
- IndiGo: +5,000 seats/week
- Air India Express & Akasa Air: +3,000 seats each
- Air India: +1,500 seats
Flights under the new capacity agreement are expected to begin by August 2025, with Indian airlines coordinating with Kuwait International Airport for new time slots. The move is anticipated to benefit Indian expatriates, business travellers, and tourists alike, while easing congestion and promoting more competitive fares.
