India & Kuwait Signed MoU to boost flight capacity

Current Context: On July 16, 2025, India and Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to expand bilateral air travel capacity by 50%, raising the weekly seat quota from 12,000 to 18,000 per side—the first upgrade in 18 years.

Key Highlights:

• Priority for Indian Airlines: Indian carriers will get preferred landing and parking slots at Kuwaiti airports.
• Demand-Driven Move: The surge in travel, especially from the Indian diaspora in Kuwait (notably from Kerala), had maxed out existing quotas.
• Airline Operations: Nearly 40 daily flights already operate; Kuwait Airways leads with 54 weekly flights, followed by IndiGo with 36.
• Strategic Timing: The MoU follows PM Modi’s December 2024 visit to Kuwait, where enhanced connectivity was a key agenda.

Question:

Q.1 On July 16, 2025, India and Kuwait signed an MoU to increase bilateral air travel capacity by what percentage?
a) 25%
b) 40%
c) 50%
d) 60%

Answer: c) The MoU signed on July 16, 2025, expanded bilateral air travel capacity by 50%, increasing the weekly seat quota from 12,000 to 18,000 per side.