Flight Cancellations Soar as Geopolitical Tensions Rise
The first half of the year saw 5,706 flights canceled due to regulatory and geopolitical issues, representing 1% of total departures. Airlines face financial losses from cancellations, while domestic travel grew by 7.34%. Air India launched 24 international routes since July 2023, suspending four for commercial reasons.
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- India
This year, regulatory and geopolitical tensions led to the cancellation of 5,706 flights, marking 1% of all departures by June 30, according to official records. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, provided this data to the Rajya Sabha, detailing impacts on major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.
Mohol indicated that these cancellations result in substantial cost burdens to airlines due to unavoidable expenses like crew overtime, additional fuel, maintenance, and rebooking of passengers. Furthermore, airlines are mandated to compensate passengers for significant delays or cancellations, adding to financial strain.
Despite disruptions, domestic airlines experienced a 7.34% growth in passenger numbers from January to June. Meanwhile, Air India launched 24 international routes since July, though four were suspended. The Goa-London (Gatwick) line is expected to resume in Winter 2025.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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