Aatmanirbhar Skies- Flexible airspace utilisation could unlock Rs 1,000 cr annual savings for airlines, here’s how

Aatmanirbhar Skies: Flexible airspace utilisation could unlock Rs 1,000 cr annual savings for airlines, here’s how

The Civil Aviation Ministry has revealed that the flexible use of airspace holds the key to annual savings of Rs 1,000 crore for airlines. This approach aims to reduce flight time, fuel consumption, and carbon emissions, presenting a significant cost-cutting opportunity.Liberation of Airspace for Civilian Use

Historically, 40% of airspace was inaccessible for civilian use, leading to circuitous flight routes. The Indian Air Force (IAF) controls 30% of national airspace, with 30% released under flexible use. As part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the IAF releases these portions for civilian use, resulting in 129 conditional routes.

Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, domestic air passenger traffic has witnessed a significant surge. On November 19, 2023, Indian airlines carried a record-breaking 4,56,910 domestic passengers, marking a 7.4% increase above pre-Covid averages. This surge demonstrates the resilience and recovery of the aviation sector.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also issued a record-breaking 1,562 commercial pilot licences in the current year until December 18. This surge in licensed pilots also reflects the dynamism in the aviation sector.

To tackle airport congestion, the ministry has also announced the creation of additional space at various airports through a restructuring of terminal infrastructure. The focus is on enhancing capacity at critical passenger touch-points to improve overall efficiency.

(With PTI Inputs)