BS EDIT: India’s Aviation Crossroads

By Business StandardPublished On Jun 6, 2025

Seat-Sharing Spat

Emirates wants India-Dubai seat cap doubled

India resists, citing unfair advantages

IndiGo backs the government’s stance as “balanced”

Clash of Models

• Gulf: State-backed hubs, global reach

• India: Private airlines, limited infrastructure

• The fight: access vs autonomy

Big Bets on Growth

• Air India ordered 570 aircraft

• IndiGo has 560 on order

Indian carriers are going long-haul

The Hub Problem

• 34 global airports, but only Delhi ranks high

• Poor terminals, limited runways, weak logistics

Gaps to Fill

• Just 6 Cat III B airports

• Only 22 make profits

• High fuel taxes remain a drag

Skies of Opportunity

Airport reforms will help India gain leverage —

and reshape its place in global aviation