Munich to be Air India's European hub: Praful Patel

Davos: Recently merged, state-owned carrier Air India will very likely opt for Munich as a hub to provide integrated connectivity to its passengers within the European region, civil aviation minister, Praful Patel, said today. It expects to set up operations at this southern German city within a year.

"Air India is likely to open its major hub in Munich. They have taken a decision and it (Air India) is already invited to join Star Alliance to provide integrated connected flights within Europe and elsewhere," Patel said, adding that it may take about one year to start operations.

Star Alliance is a global network of airlines. Air India is expected to link up with German flag carrier, Lufthansa, a major member of the alliance.

Patel, who is in Davos to participate in World Economic Forum's annual meet, said Munich was identified as the hub considering the fact that neighbouring Frankfurt airport is already congested. Patel said the hub would help the government promote Indian carriers, and increase their market share on international routes.

"In India, international carriers have 60-70 per cent stake on international routes, but our objective is to increase the share of domestic carriers," he said.

Another Indian carrier, private airline, Jet Airways, has already opted for Brussels as its European hub.