Germany and India are fighting over proverbial righteousness at the expense of Lufthansa and Air India. The result: The crane is on the “black list” in India and the other way around Air India in Germany. It is therefore impossible for both carriers to offer flights between the Federal Republic and the subcontinent.

It started with India's view that Germany is disadvantaging India with regard to the corridor regulations. At the end of September 2020, Lufthansa was literally locked out of the subcontinent. The reaction was not long in coming: Germany blocked Air India and extended the ban until at least October 20, 2020. 

What do you accuse each other of? Corridor solutions were negotiated between India and Germany in the wake of the Corona crisis. According to the aviation authority of the subcontinent, Lufthansa is said to have also offered flights with a change in Frankfurt am Main to Canada and the United States of America. According to the Indians, these are not covered by the agreement, but would be flights of the Sixth Freedom. However, Air India cannot offer this and so the accusation is that the crane would use unfair methods.

India issued Lufthansa a flight ban and Germany reacted promptly and in return locked Air India out. The Federal Republic has now extended its ban until October 20, 2020. It is now the turn of politicians to find a solution to the problem at the diplomatic level. However, opinions differ widely, so that a quick agreement cannot be expected. When asked, both airlines concerned said that they hope that a bilateral agreement between India and Germany will be concluded quickly. This could lead to Air India being able to fly to the Federal Republic again and, conversely, Lufthansa being able to serve the India destinations again. Until then, it means for both providers in the other country: flight ban.