AI Express skips Noida Airport launch
Live Events as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You
Live Events as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Air India Express has indefinitely postponed its planned operations from Noida International Airport (NIA), reducing the number of launch carriers at the greenfield airport ahead of its commercial opening next week.With the Tata Group-backed airline stepping back, IndiGo will commence services from NIA on its opening day, followed by Akasa Air.
IndiGo is expected to remain the airportās largest operator in the initial phase as airlines gradually scale up routes and frequencies.According to Saurabh Sinha, TOI report, the budget carrier has also withdrawn operations from Ghaziabadās Hindon Airport and is now serving the Capital Region exclusively through Delhiās Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).Industry sources attributed the move to cost-rationalisation efforts within the Air India Group. āThe group is focused on reducing costs and may not see value in establishing infrastructure at another NCR airport when it already has a significant presence at Delhi IGIA.
Several route reductions are part of broader network optimisation and demand-based adjustments,ā a source said.The development comes as airlines grapple with rising operating costs amid elevated fuel prices and disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.Hindon Airport, which had recorded around 25 daily aircraft movements during the winter schedule, has witnessed a sharp decline in traffic. The airport currently handles only a handful of daily services after Air India Express withdrew its flights and IndiGo scaled back operations.Apart from industry-wide capacity adjustments, Hindon faces operational constraints, including limited aircraft parking bays and daylight-only operations.
Any prolonged aircraft occupancy can disrupt schedules and force diversions to Delhi airport.Despite the current slowdown, aviation stakeholders remain optimistic about future growth.Hindon is adding parking bays and planning terminal expansion, while Noida International Airport is set to begin operations next week, with airlines expected to expand services once market conditions improve.
The BriefWire