-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gulf sector may be opened up to private players Webindia123.com Hyderabad | January 07, 2006 7:15:06 PM IST India will consider allowing private airlines to fly to the Gulf to meet the needs of non-resident Indians in the region, a top official said here Saturday. "As the demand for seats grows, it will create more openings between the Gulf countries and India for the aviation sector," said S. Krishna Kumar, secretary in the ministry of overseas Indian affairs. The ministry of civil aviation could favourably consider proposals from private carriers to fly to the Gulf after similar opening up of the skies in other sectors, he told a press conference after the opening session of the 4th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Krishna Kumar cited the example of private Indian carrier Air Deccan, which has launched a service to Colombo in partnership with a Sri Lankan airline to primarily serve the growing demand from non-resident Indians in the Gulf. He said with the state-owned flag carrier Air India acquiring more aircraft, more schedules would be added to the Gulf in the service operated by its subsidiary budget airline - Air India Express. India presently does not permit private sector carriers to fly to the Gulf and has reserved the route exclusively for state-owned Indian Airlines and Air India.(IANS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------