Airlines to return unused overseas flying rights; move to benefit new carriers

NEW DELHI: Indian airlines not utilising their quota of foreign flying rights may have to surrender them within the next six months. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to take back unused overseas flying rights and allot them to airlines with firm plans, especially to West Asia destinations.

 The move will also benefit new carriers AirAsia and Vistara after the government abolishes the eligibility criteria for domestic airlines to fly abroad. With Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJetBSE 1.74 % and IndiGo - the only airlines allowed to fly overseas -- using only about 35 per cent of their entitlements, the ministry has, for the first time, also decided to take them back before the mandated three-year period.
Source: http://goo.gl/CxZdkL