Middle Eastern airlines demand more flying rights

Are not willing to reduce number of flights under previous deals

KARACHI: Contrary to objectives of Pakistan's National Aviation Policy 2019, the Middle Eastern countries demand more rights when Pakistani authorities invite them to revisit and reduce the number of flights under previous agreements.

"With a view to further exploring avenues of mutual cooperation in the aviation industry, the delegations representing aeronautical authorities of Pakistan and Oman met in Islamabad on the request of Pakistan in pursuance of the vision of the government of Pakistan," read a statement issued by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on Friday.

Pakistani side was led by Aviation Division Senior Joint Secretary Abdul Sattar Khokhar and Omani side was headed by Oman Public Authority for Civil Aviation Air Transport Department Director Salim Hamed Al Husaini.

"In accordance with the vision contained in the National Aviation Policy 2019, both delegations discussed different avenues for further strengthening aviation relations and giving more benefit to the aviation industries of both countries," said the statement. Pakistan and Oman agreed to continue consultations in order to promote their respective aviation industries.

Under the aviation policy, it was promised to reduce the number of flights of Middle Eastern airlines, which was criticised by Pakistan's air carriers for stealing their traffic.

Following the censure, the PCAA amended the National Aviation Policy 2015 and provided tax incentives to local airlines and promised to revisit bilateral agreements with the Middle Eastern countries.

For this purpose, the PCAA held meeting with the Omani authorities and also Qatari authorities earlier in May 2019.

Contrary to Pakistan's expectations, these countries were not willing to reduce the number of flights. Instead, they were asking for more flying rights, said a source aware of the developments. Oman wants an increase in its existing flying rights under the bilateral air service agreement with Pakistan.

"One country is demanding reduction in the number of flights while the other is asking for an increase," the source said. "That's why the meeting could not yield any results and previous frequency rights granted to Omani airlines will remain intact."

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2019.

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