Govt revives flexible use of airspace policy, move to help airlines

Civil aviation ministry officials hope that a push from Prime Ministers’ Office will help in achieving efficient use of airspace and save costs for airlines.

While the aviation sector has been clamouring for fund infusion and tax benefits, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced efficient use of airspace, privatisation of six airports of Airports Authority of India and development of maintenance repair overhaul hub as a part of government package for aviation.

Sitharaman said only 60 per cent of Indian airspace is freely available and restrictions will be eased so that flying takes less time. She added that this will result in annual saving of around Rs 1,000 crore for airlines.