Govt mulling 26% cap on FDI by foreign airlines

22 Nov 2011 Evaluate

In order to protect domestic aviation industry from the financial crunch, the government is likely to allow up to 26% equity participation by foreign airlines in Indian carriers, a move which would further relax the aviation sector in the country. A draft union cabinet note on foreign direct investment (FDI) has put the investment limit for foreign airlines in Indian carriers at 26% against the 24% proposed initially by the civil aviation ministry to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).

In earlier proposal to the DIPP, the civil aviation ministry had pitched for a 24% limit on FDI by foreign airlines as it would exclude them from using voting rights to control management. Under the current rules, the government allows 49% FDI in the aviation sector, but at the same time, it restricts any direct or indirect investment by foreign airlines or their arms in the domestic aviation sector. A relaxation in the restriction would fly in the much-needed strategic funds for the airlines industry.
 
The cabinet note also recommends removal of the existing restrictions as any strategic investor would be interested in a minimum 26% investment. The union cabinet note has been sent to all concerned ministries and departments including the ministry of external affairs, civil aviation and department of economic affairs on November 17, seeking comments from them within 15 days.

The change in policy stance comes in the backdrop of the Kingfisher Airlines facing a severe cash crunch and mounting debt. The Kingfisher Airlines, which has been on the lookout for a strategic investor to bring in equity to save airline has called for opening up the aviation sector to help it end the operational and financial crisis it faces.

The government is also planning to restructure the state-owned Air India and bring in a strategic partner when it turns profitable. As a whole, aviation sector has been going through tough times because of the increasing operational costs, including fuel costs. In the first half of the fiscal, India's airlines have made a combined loss of about Rs 3,500 crore.

© 2025 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×