Question : UNUSED FOREIGN FLYING RIGHTS

(a) whether the Government has decided to take back unused overseas flying rights from the airlines which are not utilising them and allot the same to the airlines with firm plans especially to West Asia destinations;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether this move is likely to benefit new airlines after abolition of eligibility criteria for domestic airlines to fly abroad; and

(d) if so, the detials thereof?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a) to (b): No Madam. Aeronautical Information Services 8 of 2009 already provides that the traffic rights allocated for a schedule shall be utilised during the same schedule. Failure to do so shall render the applicant ineligible for allocation of these rights for the next two years.

(c) to (d): Does not arise.