Page 17 - AAA JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2013 Online Magazine
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FEATURE INDIAN LOW COST CARRIERS
physical environment, comfort level, while there are still some delays, these
range of facilities and services at New have been reduced.
Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad are a The only downside, says Somaia,
major improvement. The new terminals is that all this progress comes at a
at Kolkata and Chennai are also set to cost. At New Delhi and Mumbai, the
TOP LEFT: Based on 2012 open in Q1 2013.” private airport investor is looking for
numbers, New Delhi’s These upgrades and improvements a return and this cost is being passed
Indira Gandhi International mean that by the end of 2013, the six on to the airlines. So the likelihood of
Airport is the busiest
airport in the country largest airports, responsible for carrying LCCs boosting fares from these hubs is
ABOVE: After the upgrades 70% to 80% of all Indian air traffic, will likely, if not certain. But despite all the
are complete, Mumbai meet international standards. The 35 fuel cost, funding, infrastructure and
Airport will likely have to non-metropolitan terminals are still to competition hassles, the Indian LCC
play host to large amounts be finished, but a dramatic improvement business continues to thrive. And with a
of both domestic and has been observed even so. Most few hundred million passengers queuing
international air traffic airports are already more efficient, and up to buy tickets, we can see why.
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