Airports seek easier rules for travel, trade between India, Europe

24 Apr 2023 CW Team

Airport operators have called for simplified immigration, security, and visa regulations to promote trade and tourism between India and the European Union (EU). They made the request at the EU-India aviation summit in New Delhi. In 2022, more than 6.9 million people travelled between India and Europe (including the United Kingdom).

In a statement, the Airports Council International, which represents airports in Asia Pacific and Europe, called for greater cooperation in safety, security, consumer protection, and visa issuance.

The airports advocated for the development of a roadmap towards a 'one-stop security regime' (OSS) between the EU and India. The OSS will be built on mutual recognition of security systems. It can smoothen transit processes at airports and reduce connecting time between flights. Currently, bags arriving from India are screened again at transit points in Europe.

The EU's OSS agreement with Singapore allows passengers and luggage arriving from the Asian country to avoid a transit check on their way to Europe. ACI has also recommended immigration pre-clearance between India and the EU, similar to the process used by the US in airports such as Abu Dhabi, to ease travel.

Airports have also advocated for process simplification, including expedited delivery of consular and visa services, as these would facilitate people movement between India and the EU and boost business and tourism.

"Consumers in India would be the first to benefit from closer cooperation, with fewer obstacles and more flight options, more competitive prices, and improved service that is more environmentally friendly," said Stefano Baronci, director general of ACI Asia-Pacific.

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