The Indian government has denied Saudi Arabia's request to grant Point of Call status to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, prioritizing Indian carriers for non-metro international operations.
Key Takeaways
- The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) requested Point of Call (POC) status for Thiruvananthapuram.
- The Union Government rejected the plea to promote Indian carriers at non-metro airports.
- Currently, only Air India Express operates the Thiruvananthapuram-Dammam route.
- Similar restrictions were applied to Kannur International Airport regarding ASEAN Open Sky status.
In a recent parliamentary response, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the Centre has declined the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's request to designate Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as a Point of Call (POC) under the existing Air Services Agreement (ASA). This move prevents Saudi airlines from establishing direct links between various Saudi cities and the Kerala capital.
The government's rationale is centered on a strategic push to empower Indian aviation companies. By promoting international operations from non-metro airports through domestic carriers—either directly or via connecting flights—the government aims to reduce reliance on foreign operators in these specific hubs.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this is part of a broader protectionist strategy to ensure that Indian carriers capture the growth in regional international traffic. While this benefits the balance sheets of domestic airlines, it creates a significant bottleneck for passengers, especially during peak festival seasons like Onam, where demand for seats to the Gulf region skyrockets.
"Prioritizing domestic carriers over foreign demand in non-metro cities is a double-edged sword; it builds local capacity but risks inflating ticket prices due to lack of competition."
The pattern of rejection extends beyond Thiruvananthapuram. The Kannur International Airport was previously denied 'tourist destination' status under the ASEAN Open Sky Policy, which would have opened the doors for foreign carriers. Similarly, requests from the UAE for additional seat capacity to Dubai were not granted, highlighting a consistent policy shift toward domestic dominance.
| Feature | Indian Carriers | Foreign Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Freedom | Free to operate from any Indian point | Requires POC or specific ASA permission |
| Govt. Priority | High (for non-metro hubs) | Restricted (Strategic limitation) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Point of Call (POC) status?
POC status allows a foreign airline to operate flights to a specific airport based on passenger demand under a bilateral agreement.
2. Which airline currently flies from Thiruvananthapuram to Saudi Arabia?
Air India Express is the sole operator, providing seven weekly services to Dammam.
