Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj World Airport in Mumbai has been instructed by the government to reduce nearly 40 flights per day in order to alleviate severe congestion issues. This move comes as a response to frequent instances of airplanes circling the airport for 40 to 60 minutes before landing, leading to significant delays in flight schedules.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed its intervention after Mumbai World Airport Limited failed to effectively manage air traffic flow. The government found fault with the airport for allocating arrival and departure slots to airlines beyond its capacity and without sufficient time gaps between flights.On January 2, the Airports Authority of India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) imposing restrictions on air traffic activities during peak hours (8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and 9.15 p.m. to 11.15 p.m.). The number of flights during peak hours was reduced from 46 to 44, while non-peak hour operations were reduced from 44 to 42. Furthermore, structural flight operations during peak hours were curtailed.According to the Ministry’s statement, the prolonged waiting time of 40 to 60 minutes incurs an additional cost of ₹1.8 lakh to ₹2.6 lakh on jet fuel, which ultimately may be passed on to customers through increased airfares.Key Points:
- Mumbai Airport instructed to reduce 40 flights per day to address congestion.Government intervention follows failures in traffic management by Mumbai World Airport Limited.Restrictions imposed during peak hours to alleviate air traffic congestion.Prolonged waiting times result in increased jet fuel costs, potentially leading to higher airfares for passengers.
This directive aims to streamline air traffic operations and minimize delays for airlines operating at Mumbai Airport, ultimately benefiting passengers by ensuring smoother travel experiences.
| DateAction TakenJanuary 2Airports Authority of India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) | Restricted air traffic activities during peak hours (8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and 9.15 p.m. to 11.15 p.m.) | reduced the number of flights during peak hours from 46 to 44 | reduced the number of flights during non-peak hours from 44 to 42 | restricted structural flight operations during peak hours | February 13Ministry of Civil Aviation intervened following failure of Mumbai World Airport Limited to manage air traffic effectively | directed Mumbai Airport to reduce nearly 40 flights per day | caused excessive congestion, resulting in airplanes circling for 40 to 60 minutes before landing, leading to significant flight delays | noted the airport’s allocation of arrival and departure slots beyond capacity and without sufficient time gaps between flights | highlighted the additional cost of ₹1.8 lakh to ₹2.6 lakh on jet fuel due to prolonged waiting times, potentially leading to increased airfares for passengers |
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