Question : Operation of Air India Flights

(a) the total number of airports functioning in the country, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Air India operate flights from all the operational airports in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government proposes to introduce small airplane services for connecting metropolitan cities in the country;

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the name of the places/routes identified for the said purpose and the time by which the said services are likely to be functional; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for expansion of air services in various parts of the country?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a): There are 77 functional airports in the country including States and UTs. The list is at Annexure-1.;
(b) & (c): Subject to availability of limited resources, Air India and its subsidiaries presently operate flights to/from 70 airports in the country. Details of airports where Air India is operating is at Annexure-2.;

(d) to (f): With repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994, the Indian aviation was totally deregulated. Airlines are free to induct capacity with any aircraft type, free to select whatever markets and network they wish to service and operate. In this regard Government has laid down route dispersal guidelines with a view to achieve better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services of different regions of the country. It is, however, up to airlines to provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability. As such, the airlines are free to operate anywhere in the country subject to compliance of route dispersal guidelines by Government.