Airfares between India and the UAE could become more affordable if air travel capacity doubles over the next five years. The UAE ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, indicated that a 20 percent reduction in ticket prices could potentially save Indian consumers up to $1 billion, as reported by CNBC-TV18.

Alshaali mentioned a proposed 4:1 air connectivity deal between the UAE and India. This arrangement would allow Indian carriers to operate four additional flights, or increase seat capacity for every additional flight or seat capacity given to UAE carriers. He clarified that this deal is a temporary measure and might be revised to a 3:1, 2:1, or 1:1 ratio as Indian carriers expand their operations.

In addition to air travel, Alshaali highlighted the UAE’s interest in enhancing cooperation with India in various sectors, including defense and the development of strategic petroleum reserves. Furthermore, he noted plans to explore new areas such as genome sequencing and data centers. Earlier in January, Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi, the secretary general of the Indian Business and Professional Council, disclosed that the UAE and India aim to extend their 10-year trade deal to cover eight new sectors, with the goal of boosting their annual bilateral trade beyond $100 billion.