Emirates warns against limiting access for foreign airlines

Emirates president Tim Clark on Sunday criticized India’s policy of limiting foreign air access, saying it could harm the country’s economy in the long run. He called restricting foreign carriers' flying rights “akin to shooting yourself in the foot,” noting that air transport is a key economic driver.

Clark's comments come amid a longstanding dispute over bilateral flying rights between India and the UAE. Under a 2014 agreement, both countries' carriers can operate up to 66,504 seats weekly in each direction. Emirates, which already operates 334 weekly flights between Dubai and India, has reached its capacity under the deal.

The UAE has requested more flying rights, but India, with strong opposition from Air India, has resisted, fearing increased foreign access would harm its own long-haul market ambitions.

Clark’s remarks were made at a press conference during the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Clark pointed out that the Indian diaspora makes up a large portion of Dubai’s population, which has grown significantly in the past decade. He said the scale of travel between India and Dubai highlights the missed opportunity of not expanding seat entitlements for Emirates.

“The Indian government’s policy of limiting foreign carrier capacity may be driven by strategic concerns, but it should recognize the vital role aviation plays in economic growth,” Clark said. “Air transport has been a catalyst for economies around the world over the past 20 to 30 years. Not expanding air access could ultimately hurt India’s economy.”