Government approves amendments in ASA between India and Saudi Arabia

ASA between India and Saudi Arabia was last signed on 26-Apr-1973, following which bilateral air services talks between the two countries were held from time to time to review air services matters. The last round of such talks was held on 23-Jan-2008 at Jeddah.

Both the countries are allowed to operate with multiple designations. For the designated Indian carriers, the points of call in Saudi Arabia are - Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Medinah. For Saudia, the points of call are - Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Calicut and Lucknow. The capacity entitlement is 75 services per week with any aircraft subject to maximum capacity of 20,000 seats in each direction.

As per the Summer schedule of 2009, Saudi Arab Airlines fly 39 services per week - 9 to Mumbai, 5 to Hyderabad, 7 to Delhi, 5 to Chennai, 4 to Kochi, 2 to Bangalore, 4 to Calicut and 3 to Lucknow. Air India flies 46 services per week - 16 services/week to Riyadh, 14 to Jeddah and 16 to Damman.

The last round of bilateral air services consultations with Saudi Arabia were held on 23-Jan-2008 at Jeddah. The salient features of the MoU signed, are as follows:

• The provision of the incorporation of 'multiple designation clause' has been agreed and, therefore, each side can now designate any number of airlines as they wish.

• The capacity entitlement for the designated airline of each side has been enhanced from the existing 8,500 seats/week with frequencies not exceeding 31 services to 20,000 seats/week with frequencies not exceeding 75 services per week.

• Bangalore, Calicut and Lucknow were granted additional points of call for the Saudi designated carriers apart from the existing Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Cochin and Hyderabad.

• Medinah has been granted as additional point of call for India designated carrier apart from the existing Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

• The capacity to be operated by the Indian designated carriers to/from Dammam for which an open sky policy has been declared by the Government of Saudi Arabia, shall not be counted against the capacity entitlements available to the Indian carriers.

• Both sides have also agreed for the open sky with regard to all cargo services with full third and fourth freedom traffic rights.