(a) whether Delhi-Patna flight of Air India has been discontinued recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to take any action to ensure regular flight services by Air India on Delhi-Patna route; and if so, the details thereof along with the time by which the said flight services are likely to be started?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Dr Mahesh Sharma)
(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. Air India was operating 03 daily flights from Delhi to Patna and v.v. However, one daily flight has been withdrawn w.e.f. 14th November, 2014 till 15th February, 2015, due to limited operational window at Patna airport.
(c) and (d): Government has laid down Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDG) with a view to achieve better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need of different regions of the country. The domestic air services in the country have been deregulated. It is up to the airlines to provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability. The Scheduled domestic airlines are free to operate anywhere within the country subject to compliance of RDG.