What’s in it for India?

Dubai: Focusing on the importance of secondary, or second-tier airports in India, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice-President Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent and Africa), told Gulf News that the Indian government must allow more access to these areas.

“The quick reason is what’s in it for the country?” he asked. “Dubai is set to host the Expo 2020 and this means 250,000 to 300,000 jobs in the UAE. A majority of these openings will be in the hospitality sector. A quick example which comes to my mind is that if we look at the eastern part of India, in states like Assam and Sikkim, we see that the segment of people who live there are hospitality driven. But can they participate in being able to pitch for jobs in Dubai and the overall growth of the GCC? Probably not.”

Festivals could be another reason to allow additional inroads.

“Typically, however, we find that during a festival, or festivity, there are no seats available for Indians to make the trip home.”

Opening up access to second tier airports is therefore important and the Indian government must apply whatever formula they see fit to enable this, he said.

“The list is endless. A labourer from the state of Odisha cannot be part of the construction activity in the UAE, or GCC, because he simply cannot reach there due to lack of connectivity.”

Sreedharan believes that the demographics must be tapped to its fullest.

“It’s not just an opportunity for flydubai,” he reasoned. “As soon as these airports open up we can bring jobs to the table. We can drive hotel occupancy and investments at airports. India has the ability to allow foreign airlines to come in and develop these markets. It will not hamper the progress of Indian carriers, but it would open up the participation of anyone in Indian society to be part of the growth and development of UAE society.”

While Sreedharan is keen to probe the potential that exists in India he is also aware of the opportunities that exist in Africa, Pakistan and Iran given their status as hitherto untapped markets.

“Competition enables us to continue being innovative and provide more for the benefit of the consumer. If there are no restrictions between countries then our business can triple in size,” he said.