India’s Aviation Strategy Gets Industry Backing: IndiGo & Air India CEOs Support Cautious Market Access for Foreign Carriers

Image Source: Indian Express

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson have endorsed the Indian government’s selective approach to granting market access to large foreign airlines. They argue that liberalizing air service agreements too quickly could undermine domestic investments and growth, especially as Indian carriers ramp up international capacity and fleet expansion.

Balancing the Skies: Indian Airline Chiefs Back Government’s Measured Approach to Foreign Market Access

India’s aviation policy is drawing support from its biggest domestic players. In recent statements, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson defended the government’s cautious stance on expanding bilateral air service agreements with countries that host major global hub airports—such as the UAE and Qatar.

This comes amid growing pressure from foreign carriers seeking additional flying rights to and from India, a market with surging international demand.

Key Highlights from Industry Leaders:

Protecting Domestic Investments

Campbell Wilson emphasized that rapid liberalization could undercut the massive investments Indian airlines are making in fleet expansion and infrastructure.

Air India is set to induct one widebody aircraft every six weeks in 2026, part of its 570-aircraft order from Boeing and Airbus.

Selective, Not Restrictive

Pieter Elbers clarified that India is not denying bilateral rights, but rather granting them selectively based on mutual benefit and demand.

He noted that non-Indian operators previously had disproportionate capacity, and the current policy aims to rebalance the market.

Strategic Expansion by Indian Carriers

IndiGo, with over 400 aircraft, is rapidly expanding its international footprint, including direct flights to new destinations.

Air India is refurbishing its legacy fleet and adding A350s and 787-9s, aiming to become a modern global airline by 2028.

Government’s Long-Term Vision

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is reportedly focused on strengthening Indian carriers’ global competitiveness before opening up further to foreign airlines.

The policy supports two-way utilization and balanced growth, rather than favoring hub-centric foreign operators.

This alignment between government policy and domestic airline strategy signals a cohesive vision for India’s aviation future—one that prioritizes sustainable growth, national interest, and global competitiveness.

Sources: Indian Express, Deccan Herald

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