New Delhi2 minutes ago
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If you are planning to go somewhere by Indigo in the next few days, then you are going to get less flight options. Because, the country’s largest airline Indigo has surrendered its 717 slots at different domestic airports of India.
This step has been taken after the decision of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in which IndiGo’s winter schedule was cut in view of operational difficulties and delays caused by winter fog. The Civil Aviation Ministry has shared this data in Parliament.
Mumbai and Delhi airports are most affected
Indigo has released its slots at a total of 16 airports. In this, maximum 236 slots have been reduced at Mumbai Airport. After this comes Delhi, where 150 slots have been surrendered. 84 slots are left in Bengaluru, 68 in Hyderabad and 48 in Pune.
According to the ministry, along with big cities like Goa, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Jaipur, the number of flights has also reduced at small airports like Srinagar, Patna, Ranchi and Raipur.
Fog and flight delays became major reasons
DGCA had taken the decision to cut IndiGo’s winter schedule in view of the dense fog that engulfed North India during winter. Fog often reduces visibility, leading to huge delays and last-minute cancellations of flights.
The regulator believes that reducing the schedule will improve the airline’s ‘on-time performance’ (OTP) and reduce inconvenience to passengers.
Indigo said- fully following the rules
On surrendering the slots, an IndiGo spokesperson said, “We have followed all the instructions of the regulators and have surrendered the slots as advised.” The airline also said that they are working closely with airport operators and air traffic control to ensure proper utilization of available slots and smooth operations.
Market Share and Challenges
IndiGo has more than 60% share of the Indian domestic market. However, the airline has been facing operational challenges for some time. This includes crew shortage, grounding of some aircraft due to supply chain problems and disruptions caused by weather. Amidst these challenges, this strict step of DGCA is being seen in the interest of passengers.
Impact: Other airlines will benefit from vacant slots
Due to reduction in flights, passengers may have less flight options on some routes during the peak winter season. However, the ministry has assured that the capacity in the domestic sector is sufficient. It is expected that the slots left by IndiGo will now be allotted to other airlines like Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, allowing them to expand their network.
What is an airport slot?
Airport slots are a kind of ‘time permission’. It allows an airline to take off or land an aircraft from an airport at a specified time. Slots are in high demand at busy airports and their number is limited.
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