The post-pandemic surge of the Indian aviation ministry thanks to a rising demand for air travel, was disrupted by the sudden absence of Go First and Indi Go's struggle to get a part of its fleet back in the airspace. SpiceJet is also facing insolvency pleas from its lessors, who want to repossess their aircraft because of unpaid dues, even as passenger traffic is slated to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
A day after he instructed airline operators to prevent exorbitant pricing for flights, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced plans for a major expansion with 220 new airports, heliports and water aerodrome in the next five years.
He also provided an update about the Mumbai to San Francisco flight which had been diverted to Russia's Magadan.
As rising demand and limited availability of seats has led to a surge in airfare, Scindia added that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has sought clarity from Go First about its revival.
He also mentioned that India has become the world's third largest market for aviation, and the addition of Navi Mumbai and Jevar airport will increase the country's capacity to handle passengers from 22 crore to 41 crore.
