Delhi-Kabul on Indian Airlines list

Ashwini Phadnis

NEW DELHI, Dec. 18

INDIAN Airlines is examining the possibility of launching flights to at least three new international destinations, namely, Kabul, Hong Kong and Dubai.

IA sources told Business Line that the airline is working on launching services on the Delhi-Amritsar-Kabul, Delhi-Jaipur-Dubai and Delhi-Guwahati-Hong Kong sectors.

"The proposal for launch of these services is pending with the Government. Once we get the `all clear', the airline will decide on the frequency of the service, the type of aircraft to be used and date of launch," IA sources said.

The launch of the service to Kabul will also be subject to clearances from the Ministry of External Affairs, sources pointed out, adding that the airline had only started doing the preparatory work for the flight to Afghanistan.

The launch of the new services will prove a boon to IA, which has already acquired two Airbus A-320 aircraft on dry lease so as to offer more connectivity and services.

When questioned on whether there would not be protests from Air India about IA launching services to more international destinations, IA sources said that they were not unduly worried.

"AI was set up with the mandate of operating long-distance international flights. IA is only undertaking short-distance flights to surrounding areas abroad. Besides, why should anyone object if the Government approves our proposal," senior IA officials said.

IA already operates to 17 international destinations including Colombo, Singapore, Male, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Muscat and Kuwait from various points in the country. Besides, for the first time, IA has also been allowed to carry independent Haj charters from Hyderabad and Srinagar to Jeddah for transporting Hajis next year.