Kuwait, India expand aviation pact, increasing weekly seat capacity to 18,000

Dubai: Kuwait and India have signed a new air services agreement that increases the weekly seat capacity between the two nations by 50 per cent, allowing airlines to operate up to 18,000 seats per week in each direction, up from the previous limit of 12,000.

According to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), a memorandum of understanding on air travel was signed by Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al Sabah, President of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Samir Kumar Sinha, India’s Civil Aviation Secretary.

The deal represents the first such expansion of bilateral air rights for Kuwait since 2006, when capacity was raised from 8,320 seats.

The long-awaited agreement comes as part of ongoing efforts to deepen coordination and strategic partnership between the two nations in the civil aviation sector, said Sheikh Hamoud Al Sabah, adding: “It will support and expand the air transport market for both nations, with a focus on meeting the expectations of travellers and aligning with the evolving dynamics of the aviation industry.”

 The move comes amid a sharp rise in travel demand between the two countries, with existing capacities fully utilised for several months.

Currently, airlines such as Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa Air operate nearly 40 flights daily on the India-Kuwait route. Kuwait Airways leads with 54 weekly flights, followed closely by IndiGo with 36, making them the two dominant players on this corridor.

Broader aviation trends

Indian airlines are already mobilising to expand services in response to the agreement. IndiGo is seeking an additional 5,000 seats per week, while Air India Express and Akasa Air have requested 3,000 seats each. Air India is reportedly aiming to increase its capacity by 1,500 seats.

The updated agreement is seen as a response to Kuwait’s long-standing request for more bilateral air rights — a move in line with broader aviation trends across the Gulf region, particularly in Dubai, where Indian travel demand continues to surge.

Flights under the expanded capacity are expected to begin in August 2025, with Indian airlines coordinating with Kuwait International Airport to secure new time slots.

The initial rollout will prioritise high-demand cities in southern India, with routes expected from Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked airlines to submit proposals by July 21 to allocate capacity and initiate regulatory clearances.