In a significant move that may reshape India’s aviation landscape, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered reductions in IndiGo’s daily flight operations. The decision follows concerns over operational reliability and staffing shortages within the airline.
As IndiGo scales back its schedule, industry sources suggest that Air India stands to gain nearly 70 new daily slots across major airports. These additional slots would allow Air India to strengthen its domestic network, improve connectivity, and boost competitiveness against market leader IndiGo.
Airports in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are expected to see the largest redistribution of flight slots. The reallocation could give Air India a strategic edge, especially at capacity-constrained airports where new slots are rarely available.
DGCA officials stated that the reduction is temporary but necessary to maintain safety and efficiency in operations. The reallocation process will begin soon, giving rival airlines an opportunity to expand while IndiGo adjusts its schedule.
If the slot gain is fully approved, Air India could significantly enhance its presence in the domestic sector, marking one of the most notable shifts in India’s aviation market in recent years.
