The Union Cabinet on 23rd Dec has given its approval for the signing of the revised air services agreement between India and Philippines, as well as between India and Afghanistan.

According to an official statement issued by the Indian government, the revised air services agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and the two countries – Philippines and Afghanistan. The revised agreement will also provide an enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of India and the two countries, ensuring greater safety and security. The statement further noted that this agreement also has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between India and the two countries bringing it in tune with the developments in the civil aviation sector.

Sharing the news, Shambhu Kumaran, the Indian ambassador to the Philippines, tweeted, “A very positive step. Direct air connectivity is the sine qua non for expanding the bilateral partnership. Welcome to ongoing engagement between @flyPAL & Indian carriers.”

At present, India and Philippines do not share direct air connectivity. In 2018, Philippines Airlines had announced that they would be operating direct flights on the Delhi-Manila route from March 31, 2019, in January the airline had opened up bookings as well, but the launch was later pushed back to April 16, 2019, the route was later cancelled a month after bookings started without the flights taking off.

This revised bilateral air services agreement is expected to make way for direct air connectivity between India and the Philippines.