Kuwait India Expand Aviation Agreement: 50% Surge in Weekly Flight Capacity Revealed

Introduction

In a landmark Kuwait India expand aviation agreement move set to redefine bilateral air connectivity, Kuwait India expand aviation agreement has officially increased the weekly flight seat capacity by an impressive 50 percent, from 12,000 to 18,000 seats each way. This expansion, effective from August 2025, reflects the growing travel demand fueled by the large Indian expatriate population in Kuwait and rising business and tourism ties in the Gulf region. This blog dives into the details of the agreement, its broader context, and what it means for Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf at large.

Aviation Cooperation: A Strategic Bilateral Boost

Since the last major expansion in 2006, when the bilateral aviation capacity jumped from 8,320 to 12,000 weekly seats, this 2025 agreement marks the first substantial upgrade in nearly two decades. Signed by Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al Sabah, President of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Samir Kumar Sinha, India’s Civil Aviation Secretary, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) underscores a strategic commitment to strengthening civil aviation cooperation between the two nations.

The Kuwait India expand aviation agreement not only accommodates a growing demand but also aligns with evolving aviation industry norms and regional travel patterns. With over 900,000 Indians residing in Kuwait, currently one of the largest expatriate communities in the Middle East, the boost in air seats comes as a crucial response to passenger needs, business connectivity, and tourism, including religious travel.

Major Updates: Capacity, Carriers, and New Routes

The upsurge from 12,000 to 18,000 weekly seats will enable airlines from both countries to increase flight frequencies, deploy larger aircraft, and open new routes, especially to India’s southern cities — Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram — where demand has been consistently high.

Currently, almost 40 flights operate daily on this corridor. Kuwait Airways leads with 54 weekly flights, closely followed by IndiGo with 36, making them the dominant carriers on the route. Other operators include Jazeera Airways, Air India Express, and Akasa Air. The agreement opens new horizons for these airlines to expand aggressively.

Indian carriers have already begun applying for increased seat allocations under the new agreement:

IndiGo seeks an additional 5,000 weekly seats
Air India Express and Akasa Air have requested 3,000 seats each
Air India targets 1,500 extra seats weekly

These Kuwait India expand aviation agreement expansions are poised to start operating from August 2025, with Indian airlines coordinating closely with Kuwait International Airport to finalize new flight time slots.

Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al Sabah noted that the pact will “support and expand the air transport market for both nations, aligning with the evolving dynamics of the aviation industry and traveller expectations.”

Regional Impact: Gulf and Beyond

The Kuwait India expand aviation agreement is a positive bellwether for broader Gulf-India connectivity. It comes amid increasing calls from other Gulf nations—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain—for more liberal aviation agreements with India, though India has taken a cautious stance toward opening flying rights widely to protect domestic airline interests.

For Gulf countries, improving air links with India, home to a significant diaspora, is essential for economic growth, workforce mobility, and tourism. Kuwait’s move is likely to inspire similar negotiations and expansions across neighboring Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where Indian expatriate populations and commercial ties are also substantial.

For instance:

UAE airports could see indirect benefits as traffic from increased Indian flights to Kuwait would boost regional hub connectivity.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar might accelerate their aviation negotiations with India, seeking reciprocal expansions under their Vision 2030 and National Development programs focused on tourism and business travel.

The Credible Story will soon explore further how these evolving aviation deals underpin Gulf strategies to diversify their economies and deepen people-to-people ties with South Asia.

Conclusion: A Skyward Future for Kuwait-India Air Travel

The Kuwait India expand aviation agreement signals a 50% surge in weekly flight capacity set to begin in August 2025, a crucial development for travellers, airlines, and the Gulf aviation ecosystem. It highlights the increasingly strategic and pragmatic approach both nations take to civil aviation—balancing growth, demand, and diplomacy.

As airlines ramp up operations, travellers can expect more convenient schedules, competitive pricing, and increased connectivity. Looking ahead, this agreement may serve as a model for other Gulf countries seeking to boost ties with India through aviation.

References

Gulf News: Kuwait and India sign new air services agreement (Kuwait India expand aviation agreement) to increase flight capacity by 50% July 2025
The Economic Times: India and Kuwait sign Kuwait India expand aviation agreement (air treaty) to boost flight capacity, July 2025
The Tribune India: India and Kuwait sign MoU to enhance air capacity, July 2025