India–GCC air connectivity: the gap between entitlements and capacity

Some unsettling numbers that deserve serious attention regarding air connectivity between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Nearly half of India’s total international seat capacity is deployed to the Middle East. However, this doesn’t translate into tangible benefits for many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in these countries.

There is a glaring disparity between air service entitlements and capacity deployment to GCC nations in relation to their actual NRI population, which warrants serious reflection at the highest levels.

I encourage you to consider the numbers below/ question them and share your thoughts. A detailed analysis will follow in the coming weeks.

Several audit reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) have flagged the significant extent of 6th freedom carriage from/to India by some foreign carriers as compared to “point to point” pax. This imbalance raises the need for a more equitable approach.

These numbers are directional at best, but they underscore the need for greater scrutiny and reform in how air services between India and the Gulf are structured.

The capacity figures for Bahrain are incorrect in the image. Please refer to the comments.

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