By IRNA,
New Delhi : The number of flights between India and Iraq would substantially increase soon, with both governments agreeing to allow multiple airlines from each side to operate to several destinations in the two countries.
Delegations of the two governments, which met here for two days, decided to enhance and expand bilateral air services agreement, signed way back in 1955, to substantially increase flight operations between the two nations, pti reported quoting an official spokesperson as said today.
The two sides exchanged drafts to finalise a new Air Services Agreement that would not only enhance flight operations but also include issues like safety, security and cooperative marketing arrangements.
The Iraqi delegation, led by Director Air Traffic Services Ali K Ibrahim, also expressed interest in technical cooperation and training of their technical personnel at Indian facilities, which was welcomed by the Indian side.
Under the new agreement, both sides can designate multiple airlines for operations between the two countries as against the earlier provision of only one airline from each side, the spokesperson said.
The designated airlines of each side would now on be entitled to operate up to a total of 12 frequencies per week in each direction with any aircraft with a maximum capacity of 250 seats. Earlier entitlements were restricted to only two services per week.
Regarding the destinations, an Indian carrier would now be allowed to fly to Baghdad, Basrah, Al Najaf and one more point to be specified later.
Reciprocally, the designated Iraqi airlines would be able to operate to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and one more point to be decided later.
Under the previous agreement, airlines of each side could fly to only one point of call.
The spokesperson said the proposed agreement would incorporate new articles on safety, aviation security and code share.
The spokesperson said other pending issues would be discussed at the next meeting to be held within six months.