Key Takeaways
• India and Kuwait signed a new air services agreement on July 16, 2025, increasing weekly seat capacity by 50%.
• Weekly seat quota rises from 12,000 to 18,000; Indian airlines gain priority landing slots at Kuwaiti airports.
• New flights and seats expected from August 2025; lower fares and more options benefit travelers and airlines.
India and Kuwait have taken a major step to strengthen their aviation relationship, signing a new air services agreement on July 16, 2025, in New Delhi. This agreement increases the weekly air travel capacity between the two countries by 50%, the largest boost in almost 20 years. The move comes as both nations respond to growing demand for flights, especially from the large Indian community living in Kuwait and from businesses eager to expand their reach.
The new deal, signed by India’s Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and Sheikh Hamoud Al-Mubarak, President of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, raises the weekly seat quota from 12,000 to 18,000 for each country. This change is effective immediately and marks the first time since 2006 that the seat quota has been increased. The agreement is expected to bring more flights, lower ticket prices, and better travel options for people traveling between India and Kuwait.
Why the Air Services Agreement Matters Now
The air services agreement between India and Kuwait is not just about numbers. It’s a response to real needs. Over 900,000 Indian nationals live in Kuwait, making up one of the largest expatriate groups in the country. Many of these people come from southern Indian states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. They travel back and forth for work, family visits, business, and religious reasons. Until now, airlines had reached the maximum number of flights allowed, leading to high ticket prices and limited choices.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, airlines on both sides had fully used their previous quotas, which meant they could not add more flights even when demand was high. This often forced travelers to pay more or wait longer for available seats. The new agreement aims to fix these problems by allowing airlines to add thousands of new seats each week.
Key Details of the New Agreement
- Weekly seat quota increased from 12,000 to 18,000 for each country—a 50% jump
- Nearly 40 daily flights already operate between India and Kuwait
- Kuwait Airways leads with 54 weekly flights, followed by IndiGo with 36
- Indian airlines now get priority access to landing and parking slots at Kuwaiti airports
- Airlines can now introduce more flights, use bigger planes, or open new routes
This agreement is not just about more seats. It also gives Indian airlines a better chance to get landing and parking slots at busy Kuwaiti airports. This is important because airports in the Gulf region are often crowded, and getting a good slot can make a big difference for airlines and travelers.
How Airlines and Travelers Will Benefit
The expanded air travel capacity means that airlines can quickly add more flights or use larger planes. Indian carriers like IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air are already planning to request thousands of extra seats each week. For example:
- IndiGo is expected to ask for up to 5,000 extra seats weekly
- Air India Express and Akasa Air each plan to request around 3,000 additional seats
- Air India will seek about 1,500 more seats per week
These airlines are focusing on routes from cities such as Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram to Kuwait City. These routes are popular because many Indian workers in Kuwait come from these regions.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has set a deadline of July 21, 2025, for airlines to submit their proposals for new flights and seat allocations. This quick timeline means that travelers could see new flights and lower fares as early as August 2025.
Key Dates for India-Kuwait Air Services Expansion
VisaVerge.com
undefined
undefined
undefined
What This Means for Travelers
For people traveling between India and Kuwait, the new agreement brings several benefits:
- Lower airfares: With more seats available, airlines can offer more competitive prices.
- Shorter wait times: More flights mean travelers have more choices and don’t have to wait as long for available seats.
- More travel options: Airlines can open new routes or increase the number of flights on popular routes, giving travelers more flexibility.
Business travelers, families visiting relatives, and people traveling for religious reasons all stand to gain from these changes. The agreement also helps airlines shift some of their planes from domestic to international routes during times when demand is lower at home.
Background: How the Deal Came Together
The new air services agreement is the result of months of talks and high-level visits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2023 played a key role in moving the process forward. During that visit, both countries agreed that better air connectivity was important for their growing relationship.
Officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs have said that they are also talking with other Gulf countries to make similar deals. The goal is to increase the number of flights, lower travel costs, and make it easier for people to move between India and the Gulf region.
Step-by-Step: How the New Capacity Will Be Used
- Airlines submit proposals for extra flights and seat allocations to their civil aviation authorities (by July 21, 2025, in India).
- Authorities review and allocate slots based on demand, operational needs, and the terms of the agreement.
- Indian airlines get priority for landing and parking slots at Kuwaiti airports.
- New flights and increased frequencies are expected to start from August 2025, once slots and approvals are in place.
This process is designed to make sure that the extra capacity goes where it’s needed most and that airlines can respond quickly to demand.
Broader Impact: What This Means for the Region
The new agreement between India and Kuwait is part of a bigger trend. India is working to increase its share of international air traffic and make its airports into global hubs. In recent years, India has signed new air service agreements with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan. These deals are all about opening up markets, giving travelers more choices, and helping airlines grow.
The Gulf region is especially important for Indian aviation. Millions of Indians live and work in Gulf countries, and flights between India and the Gulf are some of the busiest in the world. The new agreement with Kuwait shows that both countries are serious about meeting the needs of their people and businesses.
Expert Views: Why This Is a Big Deal
Aviation industry leaders have called the new agreement “transformational.” They say it will help airlines better serve the large expatriate market and allow them to move planes from domestic to international routes when needed. This flexibility is important for airlines, especially during times when demand changes quickly.
Officials from both India and Kuwait have said that the agreement is forward-looking. It’s not just about meeting today’s needs but also about planning for future growth. They believe that stronger air links will help deepen economic ties and bring people closer together.
What’s Next: Future Developments
The July 2025 agreement may not be the last word on air travel between India and Kuwait. Both countries have said they are open to further talks and may increase capacity again if demand keeps growing. They are also looking at opening new routes and letting more airlines enter the market.
India is in talks with other Gulf countries about similar agreements. If these talks succeed, travelers could see even more flights and lower prices across the region.
How to Stay Informed
Travelers and airlines should keep an eye on official announcements for the latest updates. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India provides current information on air services agreements and flight schedules. For more details, visit the DGCA official website.
Implications for Different Groups
- Indian Diaspora in Kuwait: The large Indian community in Kuwait will benefit from more flights, lower fares, and easier travel home. This is especially important during holidays and festival seasons when demand spikes.
- Business Travelers: Companies in both countries will find it easier to send employees back and forth, helping to grow trade and investment.
- Airlines: Both Indian and Kuwaiti airlines can expand their operations, add new routes, and use larger planes. This helps them grow and compete in a busy market.
- Tourists and Religious Travelers: More flights and lower prices make it easier for people to visit family, go on pilgrimage, or explore new places.
Challenges and Considerations
While the new agreement brings many benefits, there are also challenges. Airports in both countries will need to handle more flights and passengers. Airlines will need to make sure they have enough planes and staff to meet the new demand. Authorities will have to manage the allocation of slots fairly and efficiently.
There is also the question of how quickly airlines can add new flights. Getting new planes, hiring staff, and setting up new routes takes time and money. However, the strong demand and clear rules set by the agreement should help airlines move quickly.
Solution-Oriented Steps for Travelers
- Book Early: With more flights coming, travelers should watch for new schedules and book early to get the best prices.
- Check Official Sources: Always use official airline websites or government sources for the latest information on flights and travel rules.
- Stay Flexible: As airlines add new routes and flights, travelers may find better options by being flexible with their travel dates and airports.
Conclusion: A New Era for India and Kuwait Air Travel
The July 2025 air services agreement between India and Kuwait marks a turning point in their aviation relationship. By increasing the weekly seat quota by 50%, both countries are showing their commitment to meeting the needs of travelers, businesses, and the large Indian community in Kuwait. The agreement brings immediate benefits—more flights, lower prices, and better travel options—and sets the stage for even closer ties in the future.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move is part of a larger trend toward opening up air travel and making it easier for people and businesses to connect across borders. With more agreements likely on the way, the future looks bright for travelers between India and Kuwait, and for the broader region as well.
For the latest updates and official information, travelers can visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India. This resource provides up-to-date details on air services agreements, flight schedules, and travel requirements.
By working together to expand air travel capacity, India and Kuwait are not just making it easier to fly—they are building stronger ties that will benefit people on both sides for years to come.
Learn Today
Air Services Agreement → A formal treaty between countries to regulate air travel rights and capacities between them.
Weekly Seat Quota → The maximum number of seats allocated per week for flights between two countries.
Landing Slots → Scheduled times when an aircraft is authorized to land and use airport facilities.
Expatriate → A person residing in a country other than their native one, often for work or family.
Civil Aviation Secretary → Government official responsible for overseeing national civil aviation policies and agreements.
This Article in a Nutshell
India and Kuwait boosted air travel with a 50% seat increase, easing demand and lowering fares. Signed July 2025, the deal prioritizes Indian airlines at Kuwaiti airports. New flights will launch from August, benefiting millions of Indian expatriates and travelers by expanding routes, reducing wait times, and offering more affordable tickets.
— By VisaVerge.com
