The effort of the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades, to further strengthen Cyprus' air connectivity with major international markets is progressing with steady but encouraging steps. In this context, the contacts he had with representatives of two of India's largest airlines, who expressed strong interest in the prospect of a direct connection with Cyprus, are also included.
Specifically, during the recent business trip of the Cypriot delegation to India, the Minister of Transport had separate meetings with the country's two largest air carriers, Air India and IndiGo. Alexis Vafeadis spoke with Air India's Head of GSA Relations and Governance, Rajinder Nath, as well as Ashish Bhalla, the company's Deputy Vice President of Government Affairs and International Relations. At the same time, he had a meeting with R K Singh, who serves as CEO of IndiGo, with Rajan Malhotra, Vice President of Civil Aviation and Industrial Affairs and Sarada Prasanna Khatua, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Affairs of IndiGo.
According to information, which was confirmed to "F" by the Minister of Transport, the process is not limited to the meetings held in India, as a new development is expected in a short period of time.
The air agreement with India is changing
In particular, the government is expected in the coming months to update the Pact of 2000, so that IndiGo can also be active in the Cypriot skies. The existing agreement currently allows only Air India and Cyprus Airways to operate, as at the time of its conclusion the two companies were state-owned carriers. According to the same information, IndiGo has already submitted a request to the Government of India to revise this aviation agreement and include it in the Pact, so that it can operate flights to and from Cyprus.
Cyprus Airways is also interested
On the occasion of the above developments, "F" is also informed that Cyprus Airways has also expressed interest in direct flights between Cyprus and India. According to the same information, the company wishes to include these routes in its flight schedule, however, such a possibility may proceed after the receipt of its new aircraft, which, due to greater autonomy, will allow it to operate direct flights to and from India.
Essentially, after the latest development, the Cypriot government now has three options in this direction, as the interest from Air India, IndiGo and Cyprus Airways is considered significant. This fact not only makes the prospect of a direct air connection between Cyprus and India, one of the fastest growing markets internationally, more promising, but also reinforces the assessment that there may be positive developments for Cyprus in the coming period.
Who is Air India
Air India is the historic national carrier of India and after its privatization it is owned by the Tata Group,. The company is in a phase of modernization and international expansion, with the aim of strengthening its presence on long-haul routes. It has a significant flight network in Asia, Europe, North America and other markets, and is a member of Star Alliance. For Cyprus, Air India is considered particularly interesting, as it can strengthen the connection with the Indian market, either directly or through partnerships with other air carriers.
Who is IndiGo
IndiGo is India's largest airline by passenger traffic and operates mainly on a low-cost model. The company has grown rapidly, boasting a large fleet, a dense domestic network in India and a growing presence in international destinations. In recent years, it has been seeking a stronger exit to markets outside Asia, including Europe, leveraging both its own flights and trade partnerships.
