(a) the details of domestic and international new air routes allotted to private airlines during the last three years; and
(b) whether operation of Air India flights was not possible on those air routes which have been allotted to private airlines; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a):- The details of international air routes alloted and new domestic routes started by private airlines during the last three years from 2007-08 to 2009-10 are annexed.
(b) and (c):- Operation of flights and routes to be operated are decided by the airlines themselves on the basis of commercial inputs and operational feasibility. The flight schedules are approved after receipt of slot clearance from the airport operator concerned, who examine the feasibility to handle the flights at that time. As per the existing guidelines for grant of permission to operate Scheduled International air transport services by the Indian Scheduled carriers, Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) No. 8/2009 dated 17th July, 2009, due consideration shall be given to the operational plan submitted by National Aviation company of India Limited (NACIL) before allocation of the traffic rights to other eligible applicants. Therefore, first right of refusal is always available with Air India, which mount services on international sectors as per its Commercial judgement.