Date:09/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/11/09/stories/2004110902830100.htm

Back Pvt airlines may be allowed to fly around the world

Ashwini Phadnis

New Delhi , Nov. 8

THE winds of the proposed liberalisation in the aviation sector could soon offer more choices to the international air traveller to and from India.

The Government is considering a proposal to allow private sector airlines to fly to almost all the countries around the world, except for those in the Gulf region.

Official sources told Business Line that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is to move a Cabinet note within the 2-3 weeks seeking its nod to allow private sector airlines to fly to most countries abroad except those in the Gulf region.

But the good news does not end here. Asked whether private airlines would be permanently barred from flying to the Gulf region, a senior Government official said: "There is nothing sacrosanct about never allowing private airlines to the Gulf. It is only for the time being."

The Government currently allows private sector airlines to operate only to the seven SAARC nations.

Taking advantage of the concessions on offer, Jet Airways and Air Sahara have already started regular flights to both Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, even as the Government firms up its policy on allowing private airlines to operate flights to more international destinations, both Jet and Sahara are drawing up plans to take up the offer.