Singapore is actively pushing for an expansion in its bilateral air service agreement with India, signaling growing passenger demand and economic ties between the two nations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation of India has shown willingness to review the request, which marks a potential shift from its previously restrictive stance.
If approved, the revised agreement would increase flight frequencies, allowing Singaporean carriers greater access to Indian airports. This move is expected to boost business, tourism, and trade relations between the two nations.
What is a Bilateral Air Service Agreement and How Does it Affect Flights?
Bilateral air service agreements (ASAs) govern international air connectivity between two nations, outlining:
- Number of flights allowed per week.
- Seat allocations for airlines.
- Permitted airport destinations in each country.
- Regulations on airline ownership and market competition.
Singapore’s push for expanded access reflects a wider global trend, with countries like the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and Indonesia also requesting additional flight rights to and from India.
What is India’s Current Policy on International Seat Allocations?
India has historically been cautious in expanding seat allocations for foreign carriers. The government’s primary concerns include:
- Protecting Indian carriers’ market share, particularly Air India and IndiGo.
- Preventing Gulf carriers from dominating transit traffic by routing US- and Europe-bound passengers through Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.
- Encouraging Indian airlines to fully utilize their existing seat allocations before granting additional rights to foreign airlines.
While India has shown openness to Singapore’s request, it remains firmly opposed to similar agreements with Gulf nations, which have significantly expanded their global airline networks.
How Many Flights Are Currently Allowed Between India and Singapore?
As per the existing 2013 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Singapore:
- Both nations are limited to 28,700 seats per week across seven major Indian airports:
- Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore.
- ASEAN nations, including Singapore, have unrestricted access to 18 smaller Indian airports under a separate agreement.
Why Does Singapore Want Expanded Access to Indian Airports?
Singapore’s leading airlines, Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Scoot (TR), have already reached their maximum seat allocations under the existing bilateral agreement.
- Singapore Airlines and Scoot have hit capacity limits on key India routes.
- Indian carriers are also nearing their maximum seat utilization.
- Scoot’s General Manager for India and West Asia, Brian Torrey, has pushed for expanded access, citing high demand and full flights.
During his recent India visit, Singapore’s President Tharman emphasized that expanding air connectivity would benefit both nations, helping support economic growth, tourism, and trade relations.
How Will the New Noida International Airport Impact This Agreement?
India is preparing to inaugurate the Noida International Airport in mid-April 2025, which is expected to play a crucial role in the country’s international connectivity plans.
- The airport is being developed as an international aviation hub.
- Expanded international flight access is necessary for its success.
- India’s revised air service agreements could include new rights for Singaporean carriers.
How Has India Handled Similar Air Service Agreements with Other Countries?
India has modernized its bilateral agreements with several countries, including:
- Indonesia – Expanded airport access in key Indian cities.
- Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Thailand – Strengthened international connectivity.
- United Kingdom – Enhanced seat capacity for flights between Delhi, Mumbai, and London.
Singapore’s request follows similar international negotiations, with India selectively opening its skies to certain nations while maintaining restrictions on Middle Eastern carriers.
How Will the Air India-Singapore Airlines Partnership Affect This Agreement?
The relationship between Air India and Singapore Airlines plays a key role in shaping future flight agreements.
- Singapore Airlines acquired a 25.1% stake in Air India in November 2024, strengthening its position in the Indian aviation market.
- The expanded codeshare partnership has deepened connectivity between the two countries, increasing joint flight operations and routes.
How Does the Air India-Singapore Airlines Codeshare Agreement Work?
In 2024, Air India and Singapore Airlines expanded their codeshare agreement, adding 51 new destinations to their joint network.
- New flights added between Singapore and India, increasing weekly frequencies from 14 to 56 flights.
- Singapore Airlines gets access to Air India’s domestic network via hubs in Delhi and Mumbai.
- More Indian cities connected via codeshare, including Amritsar, Lucknow, Varanasi, Coimbatore, Goa, and Jaipur.
- A new Kolkata-Guwahati route strengthens regional connectivity in Eastern India.
This strategic alliance benefits both airlines and offers passengers more travel options between India and Singapore.
What Are the Implications of Singapore’s Expanded Air Access?
If India approves Singapore’s request for more flights, the following outcomes can be expected:
- More direct flights between India and Singapore, reducing ticket prices due to increased competition.
- Improved business and tourism travel, strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
- Better regional connectivity, with increased options for Indian passengers traveling to Southeast Asia and beyond.
- A stronger market position for Singapore Airlines and Scoot, giving them greater access to key Indian cities.
However, challenges remain, particularly in balancing foreign airline expansion with the growth of Indian carriers like Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo.
FAQs
What is Singapore requesting from India’s aviation ministry?
Singapore is requesting an expanded bilateral air service agreement, allowing more flights and additional seat allocations between India and Singapore.
Why is India hesitant to approve more flights for foreign airlines?
India wants Indian carriers to fully utilize their allocated seats before granting additional capacity to foreign airlines. It is also concerned about Middle Eastern carriers taking market share from Indian airlines.
How many flights are currently allowed between India and Singapore?
The 2013 bilateral agreement allows 28,700 seats per week between seven major Indian airports and Singapore.
Why has India approved similar agreements with other countries but not Gulf nations?
India has revised agreements with Indonesia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and the UK, but remains cautious about Gulf carriers dominating transit traffic to the US and Europe.
What impact does the Air India-Singapore Airlines partnership have on this agreement?
The Air India-Singapore Airlines codeshare partnership has increased flight frequencies and domestic connections, benefiting both airlines and passengers.
Will the Noida International Airport affect this agreement?
Yes, India is preparing to open Noida International Airport in April 2025, and expanding international connectivity is crucial for its success.
What benefits will passengers get if Singapore’s request is approved?
Passengers will benefit from lower fares, more direct flights, better connectivity, and increased airline competition.
When will the Indian government decide on Singapore’s request?
The Indian government has not announced a timeline, but discussions are ongoing as part of a broader review of India’s aviation agreements.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
