Airports Authority of India directs Mumbai airport operator to restrict air traffic movements – Here’s the reason why

With the gradual easing of travel restrictions post-pandemic, airports worldwide have experienced a surge in air traffic, and Mumbai Airport, one of the busiest in the country, is no exception. The spike in activity has resulted in congestion and excess capacity on its runways, leading to air space congestion, where flights are compelled to hover over the city for extended periods, causing concerns about fuel wastage and operational efficiency.

Fuel wastage and operational delays

Given that an average aircraft consumes 2000kg of fuel per hour, prolonged circling times result in significant fuel wastage, ranging from 1.7 to 2.5 kilolitres of jet fuel, translating to substantial financial implications.