India weighs letting airport operators own airlines, opening a route for Adani and GMR
The government is considering relaxing ownership restrictions at Delhi and Mumbai airports, potentially allowing Adani Group and GMR Airports to launch or acquire airlines. Any waiver would need legal and Union Cabinet approval, with competition and airport-slot fairness central to the debate.
India is considering allowing airport operators to own airlines, potentially enabling Adani Group and GMR Airports to launch carriers. The move seeks to increase competition against the IndiGo-Air India duopoly but raises concerns over preferential airport slots.
Why this matters
The review follows signals that India may allow Adani and GMR to run airlines and launch carriers to challenge the domestic duopoly. It also comes after the US DOJ dropped its bribery case against Adani Group, easing a legal cloud over capital plans.
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