airline capacity

India's aviation sector faces a deepening crisis due to supply chain disruptions and engine failures, particularly affecting Pratt & Whitney engines. Airlines are leasing additional aircraft, increasing costs and reducing efficiency. IndiGo and Go Airlines have been significantly impacted, with a substantial number of aircraft grounded, straining capacity despite strong ticket pricing and passenger load factors.

India's domestic air passenger traffic soared in March, surpassing pre-Covid levels, with projections indicating continued growth. While airlines are grappling with challenges like elevated fuel prices and supply chain disruptions, impacting profitability, improved operational efficiency and healthy passenger load factors offer some respite. The industry anticipates gradual earnings recovery despite expected losses.

Mumbai Airport refutes IATA's claim that halting cargo flights and cutting passenger slots aims to push airlines to Navi Mumbai Airport. MIAL asserts the changes follow a transparent, regulator-driven process for infrastructure upgrades. They deny pressuring airlines and highlight extensive consultations with stakeholders, emphasizing compliance with regulations and commitment to fair coordination.

Passengers departing from Delhi's IGIA can anticipate significant delays until May 4, 2025, due to runway maintenance and unfavorable wind patterns. The closure of runway 28/10 for ILS upgrades, coupled with a shift to easterly winds, has constrained airport capacity.

A Reddit user shared how Delta Airlines offered him $3,000 to change his flight from Chicago to Seattle. The flight was on the Monday after Easter. The airline needed volunteers due to fuel rebalancing issues. The passenger quickly accepted the offer. He received vouchers convertible to gift cards. Earlier, Delta offered $1,700 to 22 passengers on another flight.

Star Air is set to expand its regional network from Belagavi, introducing Embraer E175 aircraft with business-class cabins on select routes like Belagavi – Mumbai – Kolhapur. New and resumed services include connections to Jaipur, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, enhancing passenger comfort and fostering regional growth. Alliance Air also expands connectivity in western India by commencing its route Mumbai-Amravati-Mumbai.

Following the tragic incident in Pahalgam, Indian Railways has launched a special train service, Train No. 04612, from SMVD Katra to New Delhi to assist stranded passengers. Airlines like SpiceJet and Air India are offering waivers and capped fares for affected travelers.

Delhi Airport faced significant disruptions on April 20 due to runway closure for crucial upgrades and unexpected wind shifts. Over two-thirds of flights were delayed, impacting thousands of passengers. Despite advance warnings to airlines about potential disruptions, minimal schedule adjustments exacerbated the chaos, leading to widespread frustration and diversions.

Delhi Airport faces significant flight delays due to the closure of runway 10/28 for upgrades and unexpected storms. Authorities plan to reopen the runway for non-precision approaches within two weeks to increase arrival capacity. Airlines are asked to reschedule flights to manage delays, with concerns about potential losses and future disruptions if upgrades aren't completed on time.

Plans for a seamless air train at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport are facing delays due to a lukewarm response to the tender. Uncertainty surrounding the concession period extension beyond 2036 has deterred potential bidders, raising concerns about cost recovery. DIAL is now seeking government intervention to ensure the project's viability and avoid further setbacks to the March 2028 deadline.