Air India to add 275 flights amid IndiGo's capacity cut
What's the story
In a bid to address the 10% capacity reduction imposed on IndiGo by the aviation ministry, Air India has offered to operate up to 275 additional flights this month. The move comes as part of the ministry's efforts to rebalance routes during the peak travel season. The decision is aimed at preventing passenger suffering and reducing IndiGo's market dominance.
Capacity planning
Air India seeks clarity on IndiGo's capacity cut
Air India has also sought clarification from the aviation ministry on how long the restrictions on IndiGo will remain in place. This is to enable them to plan their capacity accordingly. A senior government official revealed that IndiGo operates around 1,900 routes, of which at least 10% are being cut as part of this rebalancing effort.
Route redistribution
Routes to be reallocated among airlines
The government plans to redistribute some of IndiGo's routes among Air India, AI Express, and Akasa. This is being done to ensure that passengers are not inconvenienced during the peak travel season and also to prevent a single airline from dominating the market. Air India has expressed its willingness to operate additional flights on routes most affected by IndiGo's capacity cuts.
Market response
SpiceJet plans winter schedule expansion
As the Indian aviation sector continues to be impacted by IndiGo's operations, SpiceJet has announced a major expansion of its winter schedule. The airline plans to add up to 100 additional daily flights during this period, subject to regulatory approvals. This decision is based on "strong and growing demand across key routes," highlighting the market's response to the current situation.
Operational issues
IndiGo's operational challenges and Air Sewa's expansion
IndiGo, which accounts for about two-thirds of India's domestic air traffic, recently faced a major operational disruption after new pilot test rules were implemented. The airline's on-time performance plummeted to as low as 8.5%, resulting in mass cancelations at airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. In response to the situation, aviation secretary Samir Kumar Sinha has expanded Air Sewa, the government's grievance redressal platform, to quickly address complaints from affected IndiGo passengers.