(a) whether the Government are aware of the fact that some foreign airlines are gradually withdrawing their flights from India;
(b) if so, the reasons for such withdrawal; and
(c) the steps taken / being taken by the Government for overall strengthening of Indian Airlines and Air India to face the challenge?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN )
(a): Yes, sir.
(b): Operations/withdrawals of services by airlines are matters of commercial viability and comparative yields on their different routes. There has been reduction in demand for air travel following September 11 terrorist attack in USA and events following it. This has affected the financial position of the airlines adversely world over and they have undertaken restructuring of their operations.
(c): Indian Airlines and Air India have also undertaken restructuring of their operations to maximise their revenue and have deployed additional capacity on some sectors. Both airlines are also in the process of acquiring more aircraft on lease, which will enable them to mount additional services.