Flight delays and fuel wastage have become growing concerns at Mumbai airport, prompting the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to take action. The ministry attributes the imposition of flight curbs to runway congestion and excess capacity, resulting in flights hovering over the city for extended periods, leading to significant fuel consumption.
A senior MoCA official expressed alarm at the substantial fuel consumption during prolonged circling times, highlighting the financial impact on airlines. With an average fuel consumption of 2000kg per hour, circling for 40-60 minutes can result in significant fuel wastage, costing airlines lakhs of rupees.
The ministry emphasized the negative repercussions for consumers, including longer wait times and delays, affecting both passengers and airlines adversely. Inefficiencies in airport operations exacerbate the situation for all stakeholders involved.
Root Causes and Analysis
An analysis by the Airport Authority of India identified bottlenecks during high intensity runway operations (HIRO) hours, particularly during specific time slots. General aviation and military aircraft operations further worsened congestion, particularly during peak hours.
The root causes were attributed to excessive slot distribution, non-adherence to slots by airlines, and non-scheduled operations during peak hours. Despite the airport operator’s dual role, proactive measures to regulate air traffic movements were found lacking.
Government Intervention
To address the issue, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued directives to the airport operator through the Airport Authority of India, restricting air traffic movements during HIRO and non-HIRO periods. These directives aimed to reduce the number of permitted flights per hour and curtailed general aviation aircraft operations during HIRO periods.
The government emphasized the importance of these measures for airspace safety, operational efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. The Ministry urged the Mumbai International Airport Limited to ensure compliance with the prescribed restrictions by all airlines.
Conclusion
Recognizing the need to strike a balance between airport operators and airlines, the Government of India reiterated its commitment to facilitating a seamless and fulfilling flying experience for passengers departing from Mumbai Airport.
(With inputs from agencies)
