AirAsia, Vistara seek to double winter flights from October

NEW DELHI: AirAsia India and Vistara, the country’s newest carriers, have sought to double the number of weekly flights during the winter schedule starting in October, contributing to an 11 per cent increase in flights proposed by all airlines that will possibly keep fares low.

Airlines have sought to operate 13,951 flights a week during the six-month winter schedule compared with 12,533 flights a week in the summer.

“We have called a meeting of all airlines and airport operators to discuss these requests. The discussion will also be around the preparedness of the airlines in operating flights during the fog season,” said a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, who did not want to be identified.



A higher number of flights may keep fares low in the winter, including the October-December festive season, as the added flights may not give airlines room to increase rates.

Domestic fares are already about 20 per cent lower than last year due to additional capacity and lower fuel prices. DGCA sources said two airports will be added. “Durgapur in West Bengal and Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh are the two new airports that will see operations during the winter schedule,” said a DGCA official.