The Indian Government’s ban on A380 services persists.

The Indian Government persists with its ban, disallowing Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft to serve in India.

Overseas carriers flying aircraft bigger than the Boeing 747 are not permitted to service the country.

India’s concerns that travellers will desert local carriers in favour of larger aircraft operators, such as Emirates’ A380 fleet, remain prevalent since the ban was enforced in May 2008, Air Transport World reported.

“This is ridiculous because we have many travelers via Dubai to points which you cannot reach from India.

“We should have at least five or six additional points in India - Emirates has suggested this to the Indian government,” Emirates president Tim Clark said.

Upcoming bilateral discussions between India and the United Arab Emirates aim to improve the situation.

“We have seen in the last four years that Indian carriers have grown business; Kingfisher is gone from the scene,” Mr Clark said.