In the backdrop of an increasingly turbulent aviation landscape, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reveals a sobering reality for passengers, with a 34 percent surge in the number of individuals affected by flight cancellations and delays during the January-March 2024 period.
Despite a modest 4.38 percent uptick in passenger carriage by domestic airlines compared to the same period last year, the escalation in passenger disruptions underscores the multifaceted challenges facing the Indian aviation sector. The statistics from DGCA highlight a concerning trend, with over 9.5 lakh passengers encountering troubles due to flight cancellations and delays in the first quarter of the year. Notably, reactionary delays, accounting for 65 percent of disruptions in March 2024, compounded passenger woes, exacerbating the impact of operational inefficiencies within the sector.
The primary driver behind the surge in passenger disruptions has been attributed to various operational hurdles, including crew unavailability and aircraft grounding. The recent spate of flight cancellations by Tata-owned Vistara, stemming from pilot grievances post-merger with Air India, exemplifies the sector’s tumultuous state. Similarly, IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, grappled with challenges arising from the grounding of aircraft due to faulty Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines, necessitating leasing arrangements to meet burgeoning passenger demands. The repercussions of operational disruptions extend beyond immediate inconvenience, translating into substantial financial burdens for airlines. As per DGCA statistics, airlines expended approximately Rs 11 crore on compensation and facilitation to affected passengers during the January-March 2024 period, underscoring the economic toll of operational inefficiencies.
Moreover, ICRA’s recent report sheds light on the sector’s broader supply chain challenges and persisting issues with P&W engines, which have catalysed aircraft groundings and operational disruptions. With an estimated 24-26 percent of the total fleet grounded by March 31, 2024, airlines confront soaring operating expenses, escalating lease rentals, and diminished fuel efficiency, compounding financial strains amidst an already challenging operating environment. As the Indian aviation sector grapples with mounting turbulence, stakeholders must prioritise concerted efforts to address operational bottlenecks, enhance supply chain resilience, and bolster passenger experience, thereby charting a course towards sustainable growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
