(a) whether the Government is aware of the indefinite delay and cancellation of certain
services of Air India to middle-east destinations from Calicut and Thiruvananthapuram
frequently;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of steps taken by the Government to avoid such incidents in future?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a)and (b): From August,2007 to December,2007, only 13 Air India flights from Calicut and
Thiruvanthapuram experienced delays and cancellations of flights due to technical and
operational reasons. The frequent inclement weather in the Malabar region also adds to the
delays and cancellations of flights on account of factors beyond human control.
(c): Air India tries its best not to cancel any flight from to Calicut. In order to avoid
/minimise delays in future,the airline has rationalised flights and crew allocation and
is closely monitoring and taking corrective action on a daily basis. A Punctuality
Coordination Cell has been functioning round the clock at Mumbai airport and a
Corporate Level Control Room has also been set up at Delhi, which will be integrated with the
Hub Control set up, so as to coordinate with various flight handling departments with
a view to ensuring punctuality of flights.