Government has rejected a recommendation for a review of the present policy of not allowing foreign airlines to pick stake in domestic carriers, Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.
"As per the existing policy for foreign direct investment, no direct or indirect equity participation by foreign airlines in domestic airlines is allowed," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said during Question Hour.
He said the 10th Five-year plan had recommended a review of this policy and opening up of the domestic airline industry to foreign carriers with a view to attracting new technology and management expertise.
"Government has not approved this recommendation," Patel said in reply to a question.
In reply to another question on fleet utilisation of Indian Airlines and Air-India, the minister said the average utilisation of fleet by both these public sector carriers "is higher than the industry average".
© 2026