Archive · 3 Jun 2025
India's Aviation Access Debate: IndiGo vs Emirates
There's a disagreement between Indian airlines and Emirates about how many flights can go between India and Dubai.
Emirates wants more seats, saying it's been restricted for a long time even though Dubai has grown a lot.
IndiGo, an Indian airline, disagrees, saying both sides need to agree.
The Indian government currently limits foreign airlines' capacity, a policy IndiGo supports.
This debate is about who gets to fly more people in and out of India.
IndiGo CEO supports government's policy of limiting foreign carriers' capacity.
Emirates wants more flying rights between Dubai and India.
Emirates has been stuck with the same number of seats for over 11 years.
Dubai's population has significantly increased over the last 15 years.
IndiGo believes both sides must agree on increased flight capacity.
- Who
- IndiGo, Emirates, and the Indian government.
- What
- Dispute between airlines over flight capacity.
- When
- Ongoing debate.
- Where
- India and Dubai.
- Why
- Disagreement over air traffic rights.
Government Regulation
Airline Perspective
Flight Capacity
Government Regulation
IndiGo: Bilateral agreements and existing traffic rights should be prioritized before granting new ones.
Airline Perspective
Emirates: Increased access is needed to accommodate growing demand, especially from the Indian community.
- Airline CEOs
- Pieter Elbers (IndiGo), Tim Clark (Emirates)
- Emirates Seat Capacity
- 65,000 seats in each direction (Dubai-India)
- Dubai Population Growth
- 2.5 million to 8 million in 15 years
- Indian Community in Dubai
- 40% of the ethnic mix
Sources
India’s restrictions on foreign airlines not “compatible” with hub ambitions: Emirates Airline President
‘If one side makes more noise, it doesn’t mean they are more right:’ IndiGo CEO on Emirates’ clamour for more bilaterals
IndiGo CEO defends India’s bilateral aviation policy amid criticism from Emirates President
‘Time to start discussion on India-Abu Dhabi bilaterals as rights fully used:’ Etihad CEO
India needs to open up sky access to realise full economic potential: Emirates President Tim Clark
Aircraft shortage could push India to liberalise aviation access, says Etihad chief
