Sufficient India-China air traffic rights available for local carriers: Govt

Air traffic rights for operating flights between India and China are sufficient for Indian carriers, the government said today as it made clear that the rights were not increased during the recently concluded bilateral air service talks.

The government's remarks come against the backdrop of carriers from both sides being keen to operate more flights to each other's territory.

"No traffic rights between India and China have been increased in recently concluded bilateral air services talks as sufficient traffic rights are available for Indian carriers.

"Indian carriers may mount services subject to the availability of resources and commercial viability," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told the Rajya Sabha.

He was responding to a query on whether air connectivity between India and China would be increased shortly.

In a written reply, he said the start of flight operations between two countries depends upon the commercial judgement of airline companies and government does not interfere in their operation plan.

Last month, the government had said that civil aviation authorities of India and China met after 10 years to resolve the existing issues. "Discussions opened a new chapter in India-China bilateral relationship, enabling exploration of enhanced air connectivity," the Civil Aviation Ministry had said in a tweet.

At present, five Chinese carriers together operate 42 weekly services to three Indian cities -- Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata -- from five cities in China.