Resumption of international flights is a relief for airlines

This could potentially give some respite to passengers from higher airfares, with airlines likely to add more flights to their networks.

A senior Gurgaon-based airline official, requesting anonymity, said the resumption of scheduled international flights would open up revenue opportunities for airlines. “Travellers will now have a lot more options for travel. The stalled demand, especially for international travel, will also help airlines to utilize their capacity and bring in additional revenue.”

“On the airfares front, fares on popular international routes will be lower than air bubble flights, but given the high crude oil prices, it will be higher than pre-pandemic levels,” the official said.

After the country was hit by the coronavirus pandemic, India suspended scheduled international flights on 23 March 2020. However, flights between India and some countries continued to operate in limited capacity under bilateral air bubble agreements.

India currently has such agreements with 37 countries including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the US.

Capacity restrictions on international flights will be lifted from March 27, as various stakeholders including the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) complete preparations for the 2022 summer schedule for international flights.

Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said in a statement, “We welcome the government’s decision to allow the resumption of scheduled commercial international flight operations from India. Will give impetus to economic recovery for the country.” ,

“We will soon announce the schedule for our international destinations as per these new guidelines,” he added.

IndiGo, which is India’s largest domestic airline, and carries almost one out of every two passengers, is expected to increase its presence in international markets amid competition between Tata Group-run Air India, and Vistara, among other airlines. .

IndiGo, which has a fleet of over 283 aircraft, expects to fly to mid-haul destinations in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the Far East and other parts of the world in the coming months.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) with over 290 airlines members also welcomed the Indian government’s decision to normalize international air travel.

“This will support the recovery of the aviation and travel sectors, the economy as a whole, and meet the demand for air travel,” said Amitabh Khosla, India Country Director at IATA.

He said, “As a next step, we urge the government to consider relaxing the rules for international travel, as well as for travelers from all remaining countries. This will allow India to maximize the benefits that it enjoys,” he said. Aviation can bring in the economy.”