India could allow more flights from UAE as traffic keeps soaring on one of world’s busiest routes

India could allow more flights from UAE as traffic keeps soaring on one of world’s busiest routes

Dubai: India is slowly moving to allow UAE airlines to operate more flights into and out of the country as demand on these routes soar ahead of summer. Plus, newly launched airlines such as the budget carrier Wizz Air Abu Dhabi want to launch their own services to India. “We look forward to getting more flights working between the two regions as we look at a post-Covid re-opening,” said Rupinder Brar, Additional Director-General at India’s Ministry of Tourism. After a near two-year suspension, India has restored all categories of tourist visas for foreign nationals. UAE, which contributes one of the highest VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic to India, is also a ‘premium’ source market for India’s hotels and airlines. “Ultimately, it’s a formula of demand and supply,” said Brar. The government official said that Air Suvidha - India’s travel registration portal introduced during the pandemic - will likely continue to be mandatory for passengers flying into the country. “All countries at this point in time and all destinations are looking at how they can make sure people are safe,” he added. “I think that continues to remain everybody's priority.” India and the UAE recently went live with the CEPA