Government approves amendments in ASA between India and Saudi Arabia

New Delhi, Sep 17(ANI): The Government on Thursday gave its approval to the amendments in the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Saudi Arabia.

In the MoU signed, 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 also been enhanced from the existing 8,500 seats per week with frequencies not exceeding 31 services to 20,000 seats per week with frequencies not exceeding 75 services per week.

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

While, 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 and from Dammam for which the Government of Saudi Arabia has declared an open sky policy, 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.

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 per week to Riyadh, 14 to Jeddah and 16 to Damman. (ANI)