PM Modi bats for open skies, global air connectivity at IATA AGM

During his address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to open skies and improving global connectivity. He championed the principles of the Chicago Convention, advocating for a well-connected and accessible aviation industry. Modi called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure air travel is both accessible and secure for everyone.

Emirates President Tim Clark expressed serious concerns about India’s foreign airline accessibility restrictions, indicating that such an approach might lead to detrimental consequences for the nation’s economy within the aviation sector. He stressed that air connectivity is crucial for economic progress, likening the restrictions to “shooting yourself in the foot.”

This statement aligns with ongoing disagreements on bilateral flying rights between India and the UAE. Under a 2014 agreement, both nations’ airlines can operate up to 66,504 seats weekly in each direction, a cap already reached by Emirates, which operates 334 weekly flights to India.

Indigo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, however, has dismissed Clark’s comments.

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the recently enacted Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, which implements the Cape Town Convention within India. He mentioned that this legislation opens new avenues for global aircraft leasing firms to enter the Indian market. “This new Aircraft Act aligns our aviation regulations with global best practices, ensuring regulatory efficiency, ease of compliance, and a simpler tax structure, thereby creating significant investment prospects for international aviation businesses,” stated Modi. The expansion of the aviation sector is projected to generate numerous opportunities—additional flights, new jobs, and vast prospects for pilots, crew, engineers, and support personnel. Furthermore, Modi identified Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) as a burgeoning industry, with India’s ambition to establish itself as a global center for aircraft maintenance. He articulated his goal for India to develop a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030, underscoring its central role in the nation’s aviation advancement strategy.

Moreover, Modi urged the aviation sector to perceive India not merely as a large market but as a critical contributor within the global aviation value chain, from design to delivery. He expressed optimism about India’s rapid progress and urged aviation businesses to concentrate not only on ‘Make in India’ but also on ‘Design in India’, signaling India’s increasing influence on innovation within the aviation sector.

(Originally published on Jun 02, 2025)

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