Archive · 23 Jul 2026
IndiGo opposes airport operators owning airlines
IndiGo's boss, Rahul Bhatia, said it's a bad idea for companies that run airports to also own airlines.
He thinks this would cause problems because they would control airport facilities and also compete with other airlines.
Right now, the rules say airport operators can't own more than 10% of an airline.
But some companies like GMR Group and Adani Group are thinking about getting into the airline business, which would require changing the rules.
The government is looking into this, but no official changes have been announced yet.
IndiGo's Rahul Bhatia opposes airport operators owning airlines due to conflict of interest.
Current rules restrict airport operators from holding more than a 10% stake in airlines.
GMR Group and Adani Group are exploring the possibility of entering the airline business.
Government is examining whether to amend the current ownership rules.
No global precedent exists for airport operators owning airlines.
- Who
- IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia, GMR Group, Adani Group
- What
- Opposition to airport operators owning airlines due to conflict of interest
- When
- Comments made during IndiGo’s investor call on Thursday
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent conflict of interest and ensure fair competition in the airline industry
IndiGo's Stance
Potential Policy Change
Conflict of Interest
IndiGo's Stance
IndiGo's Rahul Bhatia argues that allowing airport operators to own airlines would create a massive conflict of interest due to control over airport infrastructure.
Potential Policy Change
GMR Group and Adani Group are exploring the possibility of entering the airline business, which would require changes to the current regulatory framework.
- IndiGo Managing Director
- Rahul Bhatia
- Current Regulatory Restriction
- Airport operators cannot hold more than a 10% stake in a scheduled airline.
- Potential Policy Change
- Government is examining whether to amend the current ownership rules.
- Required Approval
- Any change to the rules would require Cabinet approval.
- Global Precedent
- No global precedent exists for airport operators owning airlines.