Open Sky Policy with ASEAN Countries

India, at present, has no Open Sky Policy with the ASEAN countries. However, there is a proposal for entering into Multilateral Agreement on Air Services with the Government of the Member States of ASEAN countries. The provisions of such Multilateral Agreement are to be based on principles of sovereignty of nations, nationality of carriers and reciprocity in terms of commercial opportunities for the airlines of the participating Member States, taking into account views of stakeholders.

What is Open Sky Policy?

• Open skies is an international policy concept that envisages for the liberalization of the rules and regulations of the international aviation industry—especially commercial aviation—in order to create a free-market environment for the airline industry.

Key objectives of Open Sky Policy:

•  To liberalize the rules for international aviation markets and minimize government intervention as it applies to passenger, all-cargo, and combination air transportation as well as scheduled and charter services; and
• To adjust the regime under which military and other state-based flights may be permitted.

For open skies to become effective, a bilateral (and sometimes multilateral) Air Transport Agreement must be signed b/w two or more countries.