Domestic air traffic revival fails to meet expectations; is at 45% of pre-pandemic levels

NEW DELHI: If you expect India’s aviation industry to take off immediately, you’d be considered rather optimistic. That’s because airlines are not flying as often – and to as many stations – even after a stage-gated easing of operational curbs by the Centre.

Theoretically, carriers can locally fly 1,500 flights a day, or about 45% of the pre-Covid daily run. But airlines continue to operate 750 to 800 flights with an average of about 60% of seats full – not the most encouraging sign for an industry buffeted by high fixed and variable costs.