Hong Kong-India exchange fifth freedom rights
HONG KONG – China, Hong Kong and India have completed reviews on air services arrangements between the three governments.
The news has been welcomed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), which said the new arrangements enhance access for Hong Kong people and businesses to two of the world’s fastest growing economies.
The arrangements between Hong Kong and the mainland further liberalise the aviation market and give carriers of the mainland and Hong Kong greater flexibility to provide air services between Hong Kong and cities on the mainland.
The new arrangements with the mainland will take effect from end-March 2008, while the arrangements with India come into immediate effect.
AA chairman Dr Victor Fung said, “The new arrangements not only mark a breakthrough in connectivity between Hong Kong and India, but also help expand India’s air network to the mainland and the US markets via Hong Kong.
“The enhanced connectivity among Hong Kong, India, the mainland and the US will contribute to the economic growth and development of these places.”
The new arrangements also include the exchange of fifth freedom rights with India, making Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) an en route stop for flights originating in India that are bound for North America.
AA chief executive Stanley Hui said, “The new arrangements represent a major step forward in expanding air services between Hong Kong and the mainland.”
From January to October 2007, 277,000 passengers travelled on routes between Hong Kong and India, up three percent from the same period in 2006, and 8.6 million passengers flew between Hong Kong and the mainland, up 9.5 percent from 2006.
HKIA is connected to Delhi and Mumbai by a total of 20 passenger flights per week in each direction.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt