While a major round of consolidation is still likely to occur in the Indian airline industry, the process is taking longer to play out than expected years ago.
Delta Air Lines will serve Mumbai from New York John F Kennedy, rather than Atlanta, as it seeks to re-establish itself in the fast-growing Indian market. The planned launch comes despite the suspension of services by Jet Airways, which would have provided feeder traffic.
Saudi Arabia is one of the top five international travel markets from India, but a new codeshare deal between Jet Airways and Flynas will seek to improve connectivity even further.
This week: Spirit prepares for Orlando expansion; new Aer Lingus CEO; $13bn plan unveiled for New York JFK; Corendon to open second Turkish base and more.
India plans to spend $60bn over the next 15 years to expand its airport infrastructure as growth forecasts indicate a trebling of passenger demand by 2037. The country’s government is also working on a relief package for struggling carriers.
Indian carrier Jet Airways is planning to grow its domestic presence over the coming months as it seeks to revive its fortunes. Separately, the Indian government has published draft proposals to extend its UDAN regional air connectivity scheme to international routes.
US carrier Delta Air Lines claims that its planned return to India is because of agreements over three of its Middle Eastern rivals' practices. However, analysis of the market suggest there are bigger factors at play.
