As travel restrictions eased post-pandemic, airports around the world are experiencing a surge in air traffic. Mumbai Airport, one of India’s busiest airports, is no exception. However, this increase in traffic has brought with it challenges of congestion and excess capacity on its runways, leading to airspace congestion and prolonged circling times for flights.
Impact of Airspace Congestion on Fuel Consumption and Costs
The congestion at Mumbai Airport results in flights being forced to circle over the city for extended periods, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. This not only disrupts flight schedules but also significantly increases fuel consumption. On average, an aircraft consumes 2000kg of fuel per hour. With circling times of 40 to 60 minutes, this translates to substantial fuel wastage, ranging from 1.7 to 2.5 kilolitres of jet fuel. Such wastage inevitably leads to increased costs for airlines, ultimately passed on to consumers.
Cascading Effects on Airport Operations and Passenger Experience
The repercussions of airspace congestion extend beyond increased fuel costs. Longer circling times and delays in landing contribute to inefficiencies in airport operations, leading to longer wait times for passengers and airlines alike. These delays can have a domino effect on travel schedules, causing inconvenience and frustration among travelers.
Identifying the Root Causes of Congestion
To address the issue of airspace congestion, the Airport Authority of India conducted an analysis, revealing several contributing factors. Excessive slot distribution with limited time margins, non-adherence to allotted slots by airlines, and non-scheduled operations during peak hours were identified as primary causes of persistent congestion at Mumbai Airport.
Government Intervention to Mitigate Congestion
Recognizing the need to intervene, the Ministry of Civil Aviation took action to alleviate airspace congestion at Mumbai Airport. The Airport Authority of India issued directives to the airport operator through Notice to Air Men (NOTAMs) on January 2, 2024. These directives aimed to restrict air traffic movements during peak hours, both in High Intensity Runway Operations (HIRO) and non-HIRO periods. Additionally, restrictions were placed on general aviation aircraft operations during HIRO periods.
Balancing the Needs of Stakeholders for a Better Passenger Experience
The government’s intervention underscores its commitment to ensuring airspace safety, operational efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. By implementing measures to mitigate congestion, authorities aim to strike a balance between the interests of airport operators and airlines while enhancing the overall flying experience for passengers departing from Mumbai Airport.