Delta Air Lines will serve Mumbai from New York John F Kennedy, rather than Atlanta, as it seeks to re-establish itself in the fast-growing Indian market. The planned launch comes despite the suspension of services by Jet Airways, which would have provided feeder traffic.
Saudi Arabia is one of the top five international travel markets from India, but a new codeshare deal between Jet Airways and Flynas will seek to improve connectivity even further.
This week: Spirit prepares for Orlando expansion; new Aer Lingus CEO; $13bn plan unveiled for New York JFK; Corendon to open second Turkish base and more.
India plans to spend $60bn over the next 15 years to expand its airport infrastructure as growth forecasts indicate a trebling of passenger demand by 2037. The country’s government is also working on a relief package for struggling carriers.
Indian carrier Jet Airways is planning to grow its domestic presence over the coming months as it seeks to revive its fortunes. Separately, the Indian government has published draft proposals to extend its UDAN regional air connectivity scheme to international routes.
US carrier Delta Air Lines claims that its planned return to India is because of agreements over three of its Middle Eastern rivals' practices. However, analysis of the market suggest there are bigger factors at play.
Huge aircraft orders, the removal of dated regulations and a growing middle class who are eager to travel are all helping to bring India to the forefront of the aviation market. Passenger numbers are growing at a faster rate than the rest of the world, as India is on course to become the largest market by 2030.
The relocation of domestic operations to T2 is part of Jet Airways' strategic commitment to develop Indian airports as hubs, providing greater connectivity on its domestic and international networks. Jet Airways operates over 135 daily flights out of Mumbai to destinations in India and around the world.