The Hindu Business Line : Limited open sky policy from Nov 15 to Jan 31

The Government on Monday announced a limited open sky policy that would be effective from November 15 to January 31 next year. India has been following a liberalised regime for international airlines during the peak seasonto ensure that passengers travelling to and from India do not face any difficulties.

In the past, the Government has followed a two-phased open sky policy strategy. During the first phase extending from November 15 to February 28, international airlines are allowed to operate larger aircraft on the existing routes. In the second phase that extends from mid-December till the end of January the following year, airlines are allowed to operate as many flights as they require.

Traditionally, the open sky policy of the Government has been utilised by the airlines from West Asia and South East Asia. This year too the major international airlines are unlikely to take up the open sky offer. Senior airline officials of the Australian airline, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and the German airline, Lufthansa, have indicated to Business Line that they were unlikely to take up the relaxation announced by the Government.

"The peak travel season in India and Australia fall at the same time. Therefore, it would be difficult for Qantas to take up the offer," a senior airline official said.

"Lufthansa would be making some adjustment in the schedule and be operating a larger aircraft to Bangalore. But except for this we are unlikely to operate any more flights under the open sky announcement," the airline's Vice-President, Asia and Pacific, Mr Uwe H.W. Mueller, said.

"SIA is looking to see whether an aircraft would be available to take up the open sky offer," a senior airline official said.