According to a report by Airport Authority of India, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has overtaken Mumbai airport to reserve its spot as the second busiest airport in India after Delhi. Moreover, Kempegowda International Airport also bagged the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia in the 2022 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Bengaluru airport was recognized for its impeccable customer service by global air passengers. From check-in, transfers, and shopping to immigration, all the services provided by the airport are top-notch.
Delhi Continues To Handle 12.3 Lakh Passengers Everyday
In the last few months, Bangalore airport handled around 4.5 lakh passengers whereas Mumbai airport handled only 3.5 lakh. Delhi stayed at the top with 12.3 lakh passengers. All the airports have shown a dip in patronage by 92% to 96%. What’s shocking is that, even Kolkata had gone above Mumbai, thereby pushing it to the fourth position. Delhi Airport Imposes Compulsory 7-Day Quarantine For International Passengers.
Travel Restrictions Responsible For Performance Dip In Mumbai
The dip in the performance of Mumbai airport can be attributed to far more stringent restrictions in place along with a reduced number of operations due to Covid-19. Ever since domestic operations were allowed by the Centre in May, state governments have had varied approaches to the number of flights permitted to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The travel restrictions, coupled with local curfews and lockdowns, has led to the change in travel patterns. Under the circumstances, experts predict that the changes are likely in typical passenger numbers across airports in the country. Footballer Stuck In Mumbai Airport For 74 Days, Shifted To Hotel.
International Travellers Contribute To About 50% Of Domestic Travel
A lot of factors are responsible for the bleak scenario of the airlines’ industry. There is no business, tourism or family travel. Hotels are still shut in many places, and hence, there is no chance of domestic travel to pick up at least in the next three years. International travellers contribute to about 50% of domestic travel, and this segment is not operational at all. This could have been a significant reason for the dip in Mumbai airport as hundreds of flights flew to international destinations every day. Oman To Reopen For International Flights From 1 October.
Only those stranded abroad are coming by the few Vande Bharat flights being operated. And who knows, by the time become normalcy returns, a few airlines would have shut in the domestic segment.