FOGGY SKIES
Business Today India|February 18, 2024
The recent disruptions in the aviation industry may be directly linked to foggy skies, but more pertinent issues like shortage of staff and aircraft loom large
ARNAB DUTTA
FOGGY SKIES

EVERY WINTER, the skies of North India turn unusually gloomy-disrupting normal operations of aircraft and trains alike. This time, as dense fog engulfed the areas in and around the national capital region of Delhi (Delhi-NCR), cracks in the idea of a resurgent aviation sector began to show. While fog-related disruptions have impacted flight operations-ripples of which are felt across the country-experts point towards deep-rooted issues that have made the situation worse for passengers and industry stakeholders alike.

InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of market leader IndiGo, was recently slapped with a fine by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The company, which has a 54% share of the market, has now found itself in the proverbial eye of the storm, especially after a disgruntled customer assaulted its staff. It faced the wrath of the authorities after videos emerged on social media of passengers from one IndiGo flight rushing out of the aircraft and sitting on the tarmac in Mumbai, eating their food on the spot. The incident occurred when a Delhi-bound flight from Goa was diverted to Mumbai due to lack of visibility.

While the airline has put the blame on the dense fog, customers took to social media to describe how airline staff had been unco-operative from the beginning, which made the situation worse.

That, however, didn't stop the authorities from issuing show-cause notices to both IndiGo and the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), followed by penalties from BCAS of 1.2 crore on IndiGo and 60 lakh on MIAL. The DGCA imposed a 30-lakh penalty on MIAL.

This story is from the February 18, 2024 edition of Business Today India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 18, 2024 edition of Business Today India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TODAY INDIAView All
The EV Craze
Business Today India

The EV Craze

The country’s growing luxury car market is seeing a shift with environmentally-conscious consumers betting on electric vehicles as a sustainable travel option. Though just 6%, the share of EVs in the luxury segment is rising rapidly

time-read
5 mins  |
November 10, 2024
The Storage Boom
Business Today India

The Storage Boom

Data centres are being built at a frenetic pace in india as companies scramble to meet the ballooning demand from mobile phone users and firms adopting al. Can the country’s energy infrastructure keep up?

time-read
8 mins  |
November 10, 2024
India Beckons
Business Today India

India Beckons

Owing to rising incomes in India and overall wealth expansion, luxury brands are wooing the country like never before

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
The Pearls of The Sea
Business Today India

The Pearls of The Sea

Caviar, that rare food, is considered the epitome of fine dining. Here is everything that you need to know about it

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
66.Brand persona should define the core"
Business Today India

66.Brand persona should define the core"

I’d say this was a strategic pivot. We had an iconic brand, but had, over time, evolved into diversified lines of businesses that could no longer be represented within the confines of our ‘name’.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Unwind in Style
Business Today India

Unwind in Style

Here is acomprehensive list of top tech picks that help you unwind by blending perfection in performance with luxury

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
A Lifelong Affair with Inspiration
Business Today India

A Lifelong Affair with Inspiration

In my art journey, the diversity of my acquisitions mirrored the expanding horizons of my understanding of art

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Make it Bubbly
Business Today India

Make it Bubbly

Champagne is much more than just a symbol of celebration and success. Know about its nuances beyond the bubbles

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Palatial Splendour
Business Today India

Palatial Splendour

Buoyed by renewed demand, sales of the glitzy mansions of the ultra-rich are surging like never before. Real estate majors are looking to capitalise on this by launching luxury offerings in record numbers

time-read
7 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Of Beaches and Cream
Business Today India

Of Beaches and Cream

GianChand Single Malt Whisky

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024