Sydney Airport will start to formally collaborate with its counterpart in Delhi in the hope of finally securing direct flights between the cities.
Under a new strategic partnership, senior executives from both airports will draw up plans to jointly push for direct services.
Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather said the market is “ripe” for flights and revealed talks have already taken place.
Following initial discussions in November in India, a delegation from Delhi, including its chief executive IP Rao, visited Sydney last week to develop joint initiatives.
“Sydney and Delhi are the largest markets for Australia-India air traffic in their respective countries and both cities are the gateway to their respective markets,” Mather said. “Working together makes sense in terms of achieving our common objectives of growing this market.”
She continued: “Last week’s meeting was further opportunity to discuss the many ways in which we can cooperate and grow this market that is ripe for direct services. I am hopeful that Sydney Airport’s partnerships with Delhi Airport, Destination NSW and other stakeholders will bring direct flights from India in the near future.”
Mather said 44% of Australian residents with Indian ancestry live in Sydney with the NSW capital capturing 40% of the market.
Rao, Delhi Airport’s chief, said the relationship was a “win win” for both airports.
“Other than connecting two very large, robust markets, Delhi’s geographic location provides an ideal connecting point for long distance flights out of Sydney bound for Europe and beyond,” she said.
Tourism minister Martin Ferguson said direct flights between Australia and India are a “vital part of tapping this tourism opportunity”.
The development follows Melbourne Airport’s tie-up with Chengdu in China, announced earlier this week.
