Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

India as Aviation Transit Hub

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Transit Hub

Mains level: Read the attached story

transit hub

Central Idea

  • In the world of aviation, a transit hub serves as a crucial intermediary point for travelers making their way from one foreign country to another.
  • It’s like a well-orchestrated stopover where passengers switch from one aircraft to another, aiming for a seamless journey.

What is a Transit Hub in Aviation?

  • A transit hub is like a bridge in the sky, connecting travellers from one foreign destination to another with minimal fuss.
  • It should offer a smooth experience for passengers moving from Country A to Country C via Country B.
  • Such hubs usually rely on a major airline with an extensive network to provide one-stop flights, ideally with no more than a 2 to 3-hour wait between flights.
  • Picture it as a hub-and-spoke model, where flights come together at the hub and then branch out to various destinations, making travel affordable and efficient.

Can India Become a Transit Hub?

  • In 2018-19, Indian airlines managed 40.2% of air passenger traffic to and from India.
  • This number has grown to 44% in 2022-23, while overseas airlines’ share has shrunk to 56%.
  • India now boasts low-cost carriers for short and medium-haul international flights, including newcomers like Akasa.
  • These trends signal India’s potential to become an economical transit hub, offering essential services to start.

Which Airlines could make it happen?

  • Air India group and IndiGo are potential game-changers in turning India into a transit hub.
  • Together, they have nearly 1,500 aircraft on order, with most being narrow-body planes capable of covering 5 to 8 hours of travel, including European destinations.

Any other player for transit hubs?

  • The plan begins with New Delhi, where a collaborative effort between the government, Delhi airport, and airlines seeks to optimize the hub experience.
  • Transit hubs are also in the works for Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, depending on flight origins.
  • Mumbai could be an attractive stop for African travellers, while Delhi might serve Central Europe and West Asia.

Is there any Policy Support?

  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation endorses the idea, urging airlines to offer more non-stop international routes.
  • Airports and airlines are working to create larger spaces within airports for transit passengers.
  • Initiatives might include dedicated terminals for international flights or large carriers to streamline travel.

Conclusion

  • India’s aviation landscape is evolving, with a rising share of passenger traffic attributed to domestic airlines and the emergence of low-cost international carriers.
  • The potential for India to become a transit hub is grounded in these shifting dynamics.

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