Domestic carriers to increase operation by 8% more this winter

The Indian government announced an 8.16% year-on-year increase in the “Winter Schedule 2023” for domestic airlines, allowing for a higher number of weekly flight operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted slots for 23,732 weekly flight departures, up from the 21,941 slots allocated during the 2022 winter schedule. Compared to the “Summer Schedule 2023,” the “Winter Schedule 2023” offers a 3.60% increase in the number of flights, with 22,907 departures per week for the summer schedule. This winter schedule is set to be in effect from October 29, 2023, until March 30, 2024.

It’s worth noting that the increased number of flights and capacity is expected to have a moderating effect on high ticket prices.

The DGCA finalized the “Winter Schedule 2023” for Indian carriers after a slot conference meeting held in September 2023. The regulator announced that it had received the final slot clearances from the respective airport operators through the eGCA portal.

The “Winter Schedule 2023” involves 23,732 weekly departures to and from 118 airports, compared to 22,907 departures from 110 airports during the “Summer Schedule 2023.”

Notably, several new airports, including Bhatinda, Jaisalmer, Ludhiana, Nanded, Shivmoga, Salem, Utkela, Hindon, and Ziro, have been added to the schedule by scheduled airlines. However, Gondia airport operations have not been included in the “Winter Schedule 2023.”

IndiGo has the highest number of approved flights under the schedule, with 13,119 flights per week. This is followed by Air India with 2,367, SpiceJet with 2,132, Vistara with 1,902, and AirAsia India (AIX Connect) with 1,457. Other airlines such as Alliance Air, Akasa Air, Air India Express, Star Air, FlyBig, IndiaOne Air, and Pawan Hans have also been allocated approved flight operations.