Summer Schedule 2023: Indian Airlines Set to Operate Record 22,907 Flights From 110 Airports

As India’s aviation sector continues to expand, airlines are gearing up for a busy summer season, with demand expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the summer schedule for domestic airlines has been finalized, with a total of 22,907 flights operating from 110 airports across the country.

Increasing Number of Airports

The summer schedule includes four new airports: Hollongi, Cooch Behar, Jamshedpur, and Jeypore, bringing the total number of airports to 110.

The addition of Goa’s second airport in Mopa is especially significant because it will relieve congestion at Goa’s Dabolim airport, which is struggling to keep up with the increase in traffic.

After a winter freeze, the Pakyong airport, which connects tourists to Sikkim, has also been reopened. However, the new schedule does not include the Ziro airport in Arunachal Pradesh or the Hindon airport in Uttar Pradesh.

IndiGo Leads the Way, but Others Catching Up

• IndiGo, India’s largest airline, will operate 11,465 flights this summer, followed by SpiceJet at 2,240.
• Air India, which recently made a historic order for 840 aircraft, will operate 2,178 flights this summer, marking a growth of 9.45%.
• Vistara and Air Asia, which will soon be subsumed by the Air India brand, are listed separately with 1,856 and 1,456 flights respectively.
• IndiaOne Air is at the bottom of the list with 82 flights approved.

Air India Gets Approval for 4.4% More Flights

Despite reports of a crew shortage causing delays and cancellations, Air India has been given permission to operate 2,178 flights this summer, which is 4.4% more than the winter schedule.

Due to the pandemic, the airline has struggled to keep its workforce, but the increase in flights is a sign of optimism in the aviation sector’s recovery.

Summer Schedule Effective from March 26 to October 28

The summer schedule, which is effective from March 26 to October 28, has been finalized after a virtual slot conference held in February.

The DGCA has approved the flight roster, with a total of 22,907 departures per week, which is almost a 1,000-flight spike from the winter schedule of 21,941 flights.

In conclusion, the summer schedule for domestic airlines in India is a reflection of the booming aviation sector in the country. With the addition of new airports and airlines expanding their fleets, the sector is poised for continued growth in the coming years.