Archive · 31 Oct 2025
IndiGo CEO Defends India's Selective Approach to Flying Rights
Imagine airlines want to fly planes between countries.
Each country has rules about how many flights can happen.
The boss of a big Indian airline called IndiGo, Pieter Elbers, said that India isn't just saying 'no' to more flights.
Instead, India is being smart about who it lets fly where, choosing places that make sense for both countries.
He explained that India has been updating its flight rules with some countries already.
Elbers also mentioned that his airline, IndiGo, is working hard to fix issues with some of its planes that are currently not flying because of engine problems.
He believes complaining won't fix the planes, so they are focusing on solutions to keep their services running smoothly.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stated India's approach to bilateral flying rights is selective, not restrictive, based on demand and utilization.
Elbers rebutted the notion that India is unwilling to grant more traffic rights, citing updated agreements with countries like Kuwait and Indonesia.
The comments address criticism from airlines like Emirates, which had previously called India's stance 'shooting yourself in the foot'.
IndiGo is managing approximately 40 grounded aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues by pursuing mitigating measures like securing damp leases.
IndiGo continues to expand its international operations, having doubled its wide-body aircraft order to 60 and serving 18 additional destinations this winter season.
- Who
- IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers
- What
- Defended India's selective allocation of bilateral flying rights, stating the country grants them where it makes sense and considers two-way utilization.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Aviation India Summit 2025
- Why
- To counter the perception that India is restrictive with flying rights and to highlight that agreements have been updated with several countries.
IndiGo CEO's View
Criticism from Other Airlines
India's Stance on Flying Rights
IndiGo CEO's View
India is selective and grants traffic rights where it makes sense, based on demand and two-way utilization. Agreements have been updated with several countries.
Criticism from Other Airlines
India's stance is restrictive and akin to 'shooting yourself in the foot,' hindering economic growth by limiting air access.
Focus on Issues
IndiGo CEO's View
While acknowledging frustrations like grounded aircraft, the focus should be on mitigation and solutions rather than endless complaining.
Criticism from Other Airlines
Restrictive policies are detrimental, as aviation is a 'wealth multiplier' for the economy.
- Event
- Aviation India Summit 2025
- Speaker
- Pieter Elbers, IndiGo CEO
- Topic
- India's bilateral flying rights policy
- IndiGo's Aircraft Grounded
- Approximately 40 due to engine issues
- IndiGo's Wide-body Order
- Doubled to 60 with Airbus
- IndiGo Daily Flights
- 2,300