 "Budget carriers refuse to shift from Delhi's Terminal 1D")
The GMR-led Delhi International Airport’s (DIAL) major expansion plan faces a fresh hurdle, as low-cost carriers have opposed the move to shift base from Terminal 1D (T1D) to Terminal 2 (T2), citing operational constraints.
SpiceJet and GoAir, asked to shift to T2 from T1D, have opposed the move, citing passenger inconvenience. The no-frills carriers feel this will lead to drop in passenger count. While SpiceJet has sent out a missive to the airport consortium, GoAir has verbally communicated its decision to the airport operator. The resistance might lead to delay in DIAL’s expansion plans, given the private airport operator will have to convince the carriers or find a suitable alternative, before going ahead with the development work. At present, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir are based out of T1D.
DIAL had asked SpiceJet and GoAir to shift operations to T2, for it to be able to carry out construction work and airside development at T1D. In a letter to SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh, the airport operator had said all amenities will be provided to ensure seamless operation of the airline. “With SpiceJet having international operations, the airport operator had assured smooth transit for its passengers,” said a ministry official. But, SpiceJet officials say the airline had written to the airport operator, opposing the move.
“We have clearly stated that SpiceJet is not willing to budge. T2 is further from the main airport terminus. It will hassle our passengers, who will shift loyalties to another airline. Why should we incur losses?” asked an official. When contacted, a SpiceJet spokesperson refused to go on record.
SpiceJet and GoAir, asked to shift to T2 from T1D, have opposed the move, citing passenger inconvenience. The no-frills carriers feel this will lead to drop in passenger count. While SpiceJet has sent out a missive to the airport consortium, GoAir has verbally communicated its decision to the airport operator. The resistance might lead to delay in DIAL’s expansion plans, given the private airport operator will have to convince the carriers or find a suitable alternative, before going ahead with the development work. At present, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir are based out of T1D.
DIAL had asked SpiceJet and GoAir to shift operations to T2, for it to be able to carry out construction work and airside development at T1D. In a letter to SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh, the airport operator had said all amenities will be provided to ensure seamless operation of the airline. “With SpiceJet having international operations, the airport operator had assured smooth transit for its passengers,” said a ministry official. But, SpiceJet officials say the airline had written to the airport operator, opposing the move.
“We have clearly stated that SpiceJet is not willing to budge. T2 is further from the main airport terminus. It will hassle our passengers, who will shift loyalties to another airline. Why should we incur losses?” asked an official. When contacted, a SpiceJet spokesperson refused to go on record.
DIAL has already got the approval for the master plan. According to the master plan, the airport operator plans to have three major terminals handling low-cost domestic carriers, full service carriers and international airlines. Accordingly, T1 - built on 53,000 sq. m area - will be expanded to 133,000 sq. m, to handle increased passenger traffic.
IndiGo, GoAir and SpiceJet are supposed to be based out of T1, while T4 — to be built in place of the present T2 — will handle full service carriers.
A DIAL spokesperson did not answer a detailed questionnaire sent by Business Standard.
Industry sources say DIAL had first planned to shift operations of GoAir and SpiceJet to the old terminal, leaving T1D exclusively to IndiGo. With GoAir opposing the move, DIAL had intended to ask SpiceJet to move.
“It’s impossible to make room for IndiGo, considering its large fleet size. Shifting GoAir will also not free up much space for work. SpiceJet was, hence, asked to move,” a source said.
What is the issue?
DIAL has asked SpiceJet & GoAir to shift to T2 for renovation of T1D
Why are airlines opposing it?
SpiceJet and GoAir say it will lead to passenger inconvenience leading to loss of business for the airlines