DOHA: Following the collapse of Indian carrier Jet Airways, Qatar Airways is seeking temporary additional seat capacity for flights from Doha to India. According to Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), Qatar Airways has said it is open to partnering with Indian airlines.
PTI said Qatar Airways’ additional seat capacity question was raised in a meeting between India’s Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola and top airline officials. The aim of the meeting was to discuss reallocation of unused foreign rights of Jet Airways.
A formal request to Indian authorities has been submitted for additional capacity on a “temporary operating permit basis” in order to meet the air traffic demand of Qatar-India routes. The request will “help evacuate the stranded Indian passengers in Doha”. According to PTI, the allocated seat capacity in the Qatar-India aviation market has not been increased for nine years. Negotiations for bilateral air traffic rights between the two countries last took place in 2009.
With summer vacation approaching, airfares to India are expected to shoot up due to a shortage of seats after Jet Airways’ collapse. Jet used to operate daily flights to several Indian cities, especially in Kerala.
Qatar Airways has long shown interest in the Indian market and has expressed interest in picking up a stake in Indian carrier IndiGo. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker was quick to scotch rumours of any interest in the then embattled Jet Airways, stating that as Abu Dhabi-based Etihad held a stake in the Indian carrier, Qatar Airways had no interest as the UAE has been a prime mover in the blockade against Qatar.
Qatar Airways told PTI: “Qatar Airways is always open for partnership with other airlines, including Indian carriers. We will seriously consider any proposal for partnership from Indian carriers.”
Qatar Airways flights to India consume more fuel than Indian flights as they have to avoid the airspace over blockading countries.