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In a bid to expand its global network, Air India, the flag carrier of India is mulling to recommence services to African nations. The move will contribute seamless connectivity and added options of tickets on flights running on the route.
Offering more tickets option to fliers seeking tickets aboard flights between India and Africa, Air India, the national airline is resuming direct services to several East African nations on account of growing trade and medical tourism.
“There are plans to start services to Africa soon,” said India’s civil aviation minister.
“There is a huge potential in the sector due to growing traffic between India and some of the African countries on account of trade and business developments as well as education and medical tourism,” he further added.
Africa is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world. There has been substantial rise in tourist inflow and demand for tickets aboard flights to the region among business travellers and leisure travellers.
Air India is going to be the first Indian passenger carrier to offer tickets on flights and deals to Africa. It is planning to operate services to Nairobi and expecting to attract all kinds of fliers like medical tourists, professionals, transit passengers and students.
“We are looking at operating Nairobi flights. The plans are being worked out. We used to operate the services nearly a decade ago from Mumbai. The new flights may be operated from New Delhi as well,” said a senior official of the national carrier.
Middle East-based airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways have been providing tickets on flights between the destinations and are currently the only reliable air link between India and Africa. Even US-based passenger airlines are focusing on their presence in African markets. Some African airlines including Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are looking forward to grow their operations to India.