- Malaysia Airlines operates 80 weekly flights to ten Indian destinations
- Indian passenger traffic grew 13pc year-on-year in the first half of 2026
- Bilateral traffic rights are restricting expansion
- Malaysia sought expanded rights during Narendra Modi’s visit in February 2026
- India only acknowledged the request without granting expansion
Malaysia Airlines has reported that bilateral traffic rights are restricting expansion in India where it operates 80 weekly flights to ten destinations. Malaysia Aviation Group chief executive Nasaruddin Bakar revealed that Indian passenger traffic grew 13pc year-on-year in the first half of 2026.
The airline is seeking additional frequencies and slots. Malaysia sought expanded bilateral traffic rights during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in February 2026 but India only acknowledged the request according to a joint statement issued by both governments.
The carrier continues to operate its existing network while awaiting regulatory approval for expanded services. The airline’s growth strategy in India remains constrained by the current bilateral agreement framework between the two countries.
