Indian Airlines to Operate 23,732 Flights Every Week During Winter Schedule

In a significant development for the Indian aviation industry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given its stamp of approval for Indian airlines to operate a total of 23,732 flights each week during the upcoming winter schedule.

This marks an impressive 8% increase in flight operations when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Winter Schedule 2023 Takes Off

The winter schedule for 2023 is set to come into effect from October 29, 2023, and will run through to March 30, 2024. Notably, in this winter schedule, Go First, facing financial challenges, will not be operating any flights.

Expansion in Airports and Routes

According to the DGCA, a total of “23,732 departures per week have been finalized to/from 118 airports” for the winter schedule of 2023. This is a notable expansion from the 21,941 weekly flights departing from 106 airports in the previous winter schedule.

Among the new additions to the winter schedule, we see airports like Bhatinda, Jaisalmer, Ludhiana, Nanded, Shivamogga, Salem, Utkela, Hindon, and Ziro, which have been included to further enhance the connectivity.

Growth in Flight Operations

Compared to the summer schedule of 2023, where there were 22,907 weekly departures from 110 airports, the upcoming winter schedule will witness a 3.60% increase in the number of weekly flights operated.

Indigo to Operate a Maximum Number of Flights

Indigo, one of India’s prominent carriers, will take the lead by operating 13,199 domestic flights weekly, reflecting an impressive 30.08% growth in its operations when compared to the previous year.

Air India is set to increase its weekly flights by 18.94%, with a total of 2,367 flights in the latest winter schedule compared to the same period a year ago. Notably, its sister companies, Air India Express and AirAsia India (now known as AIX Connect), will together operate 1,940 weekly flights, as they are in the process of merging.

Vistara, another key player in the Indian aviation landscape, will contribute with 1,902 flights every week.

Air India Group’s Growing Presence

With this, the total number of flight operations of the Air India group stands at 6,209 weekly flights in the winter schedule. Air India Group includes Air India, Air India Express, AirAsia India and Vistara, together will operate 6,209 weekly flights in the winter schedule.

With the latest winter schedule set to offer increased connectivity and greater flight options for travellers, it is a positive development for both the aviation industry and passengers in India. The growth in flight operations demonstrates the sector’s resilience and potential for further expansion in the coming years.