GURUGRAM- India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E) is evaluating the feasibility of launching operations from Adampur Airport (AIP), located 21 km from Jalandhar, Punjab’s third-largest city.
An official statement from Adampur Airport on X confirmed IndiGo’s recent assessment, with potential services expected to begin as early as January 2025.
IndiGo Airlines Adampur Flights
Sources as quoted by Ravreet Singh indicate that IndiGo may introduce non-stop routes connecting Adampur to Jaipur (JAI) and Mumbai (BOM). However, past performance raises questions about the market’s viability.
Adampur’s history with airline services has been challenging. SpiceJet (SG) previously operated Dash 8-Q400 flights to Delhi (DEL), Jaipur, and Mumbai but withdrew due to sustained losses, even under the UDAN scheme.
Currently, Star Air (S5) is the only carrier at Adampur, operating daily non-stop Embraer E175 flights to Delhi (Hindon) under the UDAN scheme. This service, launched in April 2024 after the opening of a $15.62 million terminal, has struggled with low demand.
Between April and September 2024, Star Air carried approximately 15,500 passengers, averaging a Passenger Load Factor (PLF) of 52.26%. The PLF peaked at 75.49% in April but fell to 36.48% in September.
Challenges for Airline
Ravreet Singh wrote, that IndiGo’s potential entry raises critical questions:
- Can IndiGo succeed where previous operators, including SpiceJet, have struggled?
- What strategies could ensure sustainable operations in a market with a history of weak demand?
Air services from Adampur Airport have struggled despite the significant population in the Jalandhar area.
- Proximity to Amritsar: Located just 97 km from Jalandhar, Amritsar is a well-established air hub, easily accessible by road within 1.5 to 2 hours. Its extensive connectivity and facilities make it a preferred option for residents, significantly affecting Adampur’s ability to attract consistent passenger traffic.
- Affordable Ground Transportation: Jalandhar is well-connected to Delhi by frequent and budget-friendly rail and bus services. These cost-effective alternatives reduce the demand for air travel from Adampur, particularly for short-haul routes.
To succeed in this competitive environment, Ravreet Singh suggests that IndiGo should prioritize a targeted strategy. Non-stop ATR 72-600 services to Delhi may provide the most viable option, leveraging IndiGo’s extensive domestic network to optimize load factors and revenue.
Focusing exclusively on this route initially would allow IndiGo to address the operational risks faced by previous carriers while building a sustainable foundation for long-term connectivity in the Jalandhar market.
Kumbh Preparation at Prayagraj Airport
Prayagraj Airport is intensifying its preparations for the Mahakumbh festival, addressing potential operational challenges posed by winter fog and low visibility.
IndiGo has successfully completed flight validation for the CAT-II Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach on Runway 30. This milestone enables airlines to operate with reduced landing minima of 400 meters and continue departures at 350 meters throughout the winter season.
The deployment of CAT-II technology marks a significant step toward ensuring timely flight operations and minimizing disruptions for the large influx of devotees expected during the Mahakumbh.
Acknowledgments for this achievement go to the Secretary of Civil Aviation, the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Member ANS, Member OPS, Prayagraj Airport Director, DGCA, and the Indian Air Force for their collaborative efforts in enhancing airport readiness.
Feature Image by Harsh Tekriwal | AvgeekwithLens
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