Open skies andmissed opportunities

India may boast some of the world’s most advanced airports, but many remain underused due to limited international access. Goyal sees this as a policy failure.“We’ve built world-class airports, but many remain underutilised due to limited international connectivity,” he explains. “An open skies policy is vital. Any airline wishing to operate in India should be welcomed.”

The lack of direct flights from entire continents, he argues, is stalling India’s global tourism ambitions. “We have no direct flights from most of Africa or South America. This limits inbound tourism and weakens our global presence.”

Policy reform must match infrastructure

While the government has made strides, Goyal urges a shift in how bilateral air agreements are approached.

“Bilateral agreements are often restrictive,” he notes. “If a foreign airline has used its quota, but no Indian carrier flies there, we should still increase access in our national interest.”

He points to the broader economic impact of air travel. “Tourism creates jobs. One in every nine jobs over the next two decades will come from this sectorprovided aviation enables it.”

Elevating the passenger journey

From digitisation to better staffing, India’s major airports have evolved dramatically.“Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are now world-class,” Goyal said. “Initiatives like DigiYatra and e-visa queues have made a big difference.”

In fact, he sees India as setting a new global benchmark. “Compared to many Western airports, Indian hubs are more efficient, well-staffed and customer-friendly. We’ve come a long way, and this progress must continue across all cities.”

Greener skies, smarter investments

Sustainability, Goyal insists, cannot be delayed.

“Climate change is realand aviation must act,” he said. “ATF accounts for 25 per cent of operating costs and we need greener, cost-effective alternatives.”

He believes in the potential of hydrogen and solar power. “The government should lead by example, starting with solar-powered government buildings and hotels. Sustainability isn’t a choice anymore; it’s a responsibility.”

Safety, transparency and trust

When it comes to safety, Goyal is confident in India’s systems.

“India follows ICAO and DGCA norms strictly,” he affirms. “Permit applications are now online and transparency has improved significantly.”

He points out that India has its own national security manual. “It’s stronger than many global standards. I’m confident about the safety and regulatory framework we have in place today.”

Making India investor-ready

With aviation being highly capital intensive, Goyal sees an urgent need to attract more global capital.

“Aviation is capital intensive and we must allow more foreign participationespecially in domestic operations,” he suggests.

He also calls for fairer pricing. “There must be a cap on ticket pricing. Charging INR 50,000 for short-haul routes during high demand is unfair. Profit must not come at the cost of exploitation.”

Power in partnership

The role of travel agents in airline success, Goyal stresses, is often underplayed.“Travel agents are the extended arm of airlines,” he said. “With over 25,000 agents in India, they offer unmatched reach.”

He advocates for stronger collaboration: “Airlines should invest in relationships with agents and provide commissions to build loyalty. It’s far more cost-effective than opening hundreds of offices.”

India’s aviation story is still being writtenbut according to Goyal, the next chapter must focus on open access, green fuel, better pricing and deeper collaboration. The sky, as he sees it, isn’t the limit—it’s the runway.