Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Director of Civil Aviation that, before an airline can operate international services to another country, Government must first negotiate an agreement, which is known as a Bilateral Air Services Agreement with the Government of the country of its desired destination. Bilateral Air Services Agreements set out the conditions under which the international air services operate, including traffic rights, capacity, the designation of airlines by both contracting parties, tariffs and other provisions relating to competition policy, safety and security. To date, Madam Speaker, Mauritius has concluded Bilateral Air Services Agreements for scheduled air services with 60 countries, out of which, 35 agreements have been signed. Furthermore, Mauritius has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on air services with Dubai and three Codeshare Agreements with Canada, Chile and Japan. In accordance with the provisions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreements concluded by Mauritius, foreign designated airlines are required to submit their applications for the operation of scheduled commercial flights for two seasons, namely the Northern Summer Season, which starts from end of March to end of October and the Northern Winter Season, which starts from the beginning of November to the end of March of the following year. Madam Speaker, I am tabling the list of applications submitted by foreign airlines during the period ranging from March 2024 to October 2026. The House may wish to note that, during the said period, applications have been received from six new foreign airlines to operate commercial flights to Mauritius, namely – (i) World2Fly from Spain; (ii) ITA Airways from Italy; (iii) IndiGo from India; (iv) Ethiopian Airlines from Ethiopia; (v) Airlink from South Africa, and (vi) Cobra Aviation from South Africa. I wish to inform the House that Government is pursuing a policy of gradual liberalisation of air access through bilateral agreements. This approach aims to enhance air connectivity whilst ensuring fair and equal opportunities for the continued development and growth of our national carrier, that is, Air Mauritius Ltd. Madam Speaker, air connectivity is extremely important for the development of our country. Any decision for opening up of our air space to any airline would be taken after a thorough assessment has been made as to the benefits that may accrue to Mauritius from such an agreement.

Thank you. Yes!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether the assessment will also include a market competition assessment?

Yes. It will assess everything, including the market.

Okay, last question, hon. Chief Whip! UNDERPASSES – ROAD USERS SECURITY - CCTV SURVEILLANCE INSTALLATION & RISK ASSESSMENT