Not worried about lack of bilateral rights with India, says Etihad CEO

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is “not worried” about the lack of additional bilateral rights with India, as global air travel demand is strong and the airline continues to deploy its fleet on non-India routes, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said on Wednesday.

- DEEPAK PATEL

However, he added that the airline is willing to add flights to India in 2026-27 if permitted.

The bilateral air services agreement between India and Abu Dhabi allows 50,000 weekly seats for airlines from each side. Both Indian and Abu Dhabi-based carriers have fully utilised their allocations.

When asked if talks have begun between India and Abu Dhabi to increase bilateral rights, Neves said, “The discussions are always open... both countries have a great relationship. They are always talking.”

“I am not worried about the issue of expansion of bilateral rights. I think it is going to happen one way or another. If it does not happen, it is very easy — the fares on these routes are going to go up. The traffic will not be able to grow, and we will find another balance. You can’t beat the market,” he added.

Neves said the concern is the limited availability of aircraft in the market, even as global air travel demand is increasing. Therefore, the question, he said, is not about expanding bilateral rights but about having enough planes to deploy on India-Abu Dhabi routes.