Qatar Airways ‘eyes stake in SpiceJet’

Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are in discussions to take minority stakes in no-frills Indian airline SpiceJet, according to a report in the Business Standard newspaper.  The move comes amid expectations that the government will allow foreign airlines to invest directly in Indian carriers. The discussions with the two airlines were, however, at a preliminary stage, sources said. India currently allows up to 49% foreign investment in Indian carriers, but foreign airlines are barred. SpiceJet had said earlier the loss-making airline has been approached by a few Gulf and Southeast Asian airlines.