The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued directives to Mumbai Airport aimed at alleviating congestion and enhancing on-time departures, as reported by the Economic Times (ET). This move entails a reduction in scheduled flights and the limitation of business jet movements during peak hours, impacting approximately 40 flights and disrupting operations for private jets utilized by leading business entities across the country.
Instructions from the AAI mandate a decrease in aircraft movement from 46 to 44 during rush hours and from 44 to 42 during non-peak hours. Consequently, airlines such as IndiGo and the Air India group, including Vistara, will be required to adjust their flight schedules accordingly.
Moreover, a curfew on the operation of business jets has been extended from four hours to eight hours, prompting objections from major corporate entities such as Reliance Industries, JSW, and the Mahindra group.
These new restrictions are reportedly a response to declining on-time departure figures at the airport, attributed to overscheduling by airlines and a surge in air travel demand. Furthermore, the limitations of the airport's infrastructure, including parking and runway occupancy, have exacerbated the situation.
Looking ahead, airports have been instructed to factor in unforeseen circumstances while forecasting peak-hour capacity in the upcoming summer schedule.
However, the sudden imposition of these changes could disrupt redeployment plans and lead to financial losses for airlines, the airport, and passengers alike. Additionally, the heightened restrictions on business jets have raised concerns among industry stakeholders, particularly regarding Mumbai's status as the nation's commercial hub.
Congestion issues at airports have been widespread across the nation as air travel demand has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels. Recent chaos in northern airports due to heavy fog in mid-January highlighted concerns for both airline and airport managements. This concern was exacerbated after a viral video depicted passengers eating on the tarmac next to planes at Mumbai Airport last month, raising questions about operational efficiency and passenger comfort.
