Source The Hindu
India’s largest airline IndiGo vacated 717 slots at domestic airports following a decision by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to curtail its winter flight operations, officials familiar with the matter said.
The move comes after the aviation regulator imposed restrictions on IndiGo’s winter schedule citing operational challenges, including aircraft groundings and delays linked to engine issues affecting a portion of its fleet. As a result, the airline was asked to scale back flights during the peak winter season to ensure better reliability and passenger safety.
Airport slot data shows that the surrendered slots were spread across several key domestic airports, including major metros and high-traffic regional hubs. Slots are critical resources at congested airports, determining an airline’s ability to operate flights at specific times.
IndiGo, which operates the country’s largest fleet and holds the biggest market share, has been facing pressure due to supply chain disruptions and Pratt & Whitney engine problems impacting its A320neo aircraft. These issues have forced multiple planes out of service, reducing overall capacity.
The DGCA’s decision to cap winter operations was aimed at preventing large-scale disruptions during fog-prone months, when delays and cancellations typically rise. By trimming schedules in advance, the regulator hopes airlines can maintain punctuality and minimise inconvenience to passengers.
IndiGo has said it is working closely with regulators, aircraft manufacturers, and engine suppliers to stabilise operations and gradually restore capacity. The airline is also inducting additional aircraft and wet-leasing planes to bridge the shortfall.
Industry experts say the vacated slots could temporarily be reallocated to other carriers, potentially offering rivals an opportunity to expand services on high-demand routes during the winter season. However, any long-term redistribution would depend on regulatory approvals and future capacity reviews by the DGCA.
