India, South Korea to allow 19 flights per week, up from six

NEW DELHI: India and South Korea have agreed to allow airlines on both sides to operate 19 flights per week between the two countries instead of six permitted earlier, in view of the growing traffic and bilateral trade, the civil aviation ministry announced on Friday.

The two countries had last month signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance bilateral air service cooperation. Apart from the increase in seats, India and South Korea also agreed to give the goahead to the carriers for more destinations.

While India has allowed South Korean carriers to start flights from two additional destinations, Chennai and Bengaluru, Indian carriers can now connect Seattle in the United States and Vancouver in Canada via South Korea.

Earlier, Indian carriers could operate connecting flights only to Tokyo and Los Angeles via South Korea.

The increase in bilateral entitlements with South Korea was agreed upon after the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a press release issued by the ministry.

“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a state visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) on the invitation of Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea on May 18-19, 2015. The two leaders welcomed and encouraged the ongoing efforts,” the ministry said.