Indian airlines will operate around 3,000 fewer flights a week in the upcoming summer schedule starting March 29, compared to last year, as carriers cut capacity amid rising costs and uncertainty triggered by the West Asia crisis.
The number of weekly flights is expected to fall to around 22,600 this summer schedule, down from 25,610 in the last year's summer schedule.
Airlines are scaling back capacity due to rising operating costs, particularly fuel and foreign exchange, and concerns that travel demand could weaken if geopolitical tensions in West Asia persist.
IndiGo, the country's largest airline, said it intends to start its domestic summer schedule with nearly 2,000 daily flights in April, but may raise fares and ground aircraft if ATF prices continue to rise.
The ministry of civil aviation has withdrawn temporary fare caps on domestic airfares, but warned airlines that excessive pricing would invite re-imposition of controls.
