Branson calls for end to Anglo-Indian flight restrictions

Virgin chief Richard Branson today urged the elimination of barriers on air travel between Britain and India to help increase the number of flights and lower prices.

“We need to get rid of restrictions,” he said in Bombay, marking the inauguration of services to Bombay by his Virgin Atlantic airline. “Air fares will come down … the best companies will survive and offer the best services.”

Prohibitions currently exist on the number of airlines that can fly between India and Britain, the cities served, and the frequency of flights. Branson said he hoped the barriers would be eased at a meeting in India next week between top government officials of both countries.

He said if an agreement is reached next week it would help satisfy rising demand for business and leisure travel between Britain and India.

Virgin Atlantic already operates daily flights to India’s capital New Delhi after beginning operations five years ago.

British airline bmi will soon introduce flights from London to Bombay.