14,000 more weekly flights likely by October

A jump of 14,000 weeekly flights across India would amount to a 13.5% jump in the number of weekly flights compared to the winter schedule of 2014.

Indian domestic carriers have sought permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate around 14,000 weekly flights in the winter schedule beginning October this year.

Once approved, this would amount to a 13.5% jump in the number of weekly flights compared to the winter schedule of the previous year. The winter schedule commences from the last Sunday of October while the summer schedule starts from the last Sunday of March.

“A total of 12,533 flights were operated in the present summer schedule. Domestic airlines had operated 12,305 flights a week last winter,” a senior DGCA official said.

“Operations in winters, especially in the North, are badly affected by foggy weather. DGCA will have to ensure that airlines and airports are well prepared before granting approval,” said aviation expert Subhash Goyal.

Durgapur airport in West Bengal and Kadapa airport in Andhra Pradesh are the two airports that will be added during the winter schedule.