Greece – India Air Services Agreement Paves Way for Tighter Tourism, Trade Ties

An Air Services Agreement (ASA) signed in New Delhi by India and Greece on Wednesday, paves the way for further cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and culture by enhancing air connectivity. This is the first ASA between India and Greece following an “open skies” deal in September 2016.

India’s cabinet approved the pact which will allow Indian carriers to operate in Athens and two other Greek cities, while Greek airlines will be able to fly to six metro airports in India, including those in New Delhi and Mumbai.

The agreement is expected to “spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural ties”, an official statement said, while the Indian government added the pact is in tune with the developments in the civil aviation sector. “It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.”

Under the ASA, Greece and India are entitled to designate one or more airline which will have the right to establish offices in the other’s territory for the promotion and sale of air services. The designated carriers will have fair and equal opportunity to operate the agreed services on specified routes and can enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and third country. With regard to route scheduling, Indian carriers can serve Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion and any three points to be specified later, whereas Greek airlines can establish direct operations to six metro airports in India – New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.