NEW FLIGHT DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Mr Shriniwas Rai asked the Minister for Communications if the Government will request the Indian Government to allow Singapore Airlines or SilkAir to fly to new destinations in India, such as Bhuwaneshwar in Orrissa and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh as both cities are well known tourist destinations.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Currently, Singapore Airlines flies to 4 international airports in India, viz. Bombay, Calcutta, New Delhi and Madras. The airports in Bhuwaneshwar and Varanasi, however, are not designated as international gateways by the Indian Government. Foreign airlines like Singapore Airlines or SilkAir would not be allowed to fly to Indian airports which are not designated as international airports. Of course, should these airports become international and our airlines are keen to fly there because there is traffic demand, we will request for the required traffic rights from the Indian Government. Similarly, should airlines from India want to fly direct between these points and Singapore, we will be happy to discuss with the Indian Government.