NEW DELHI: Plans to extend late night domestic air operations across the country that would drastically reduce airfares for travel has been delayed indefinitely. The government has put in all its resources for its Regional Connectivity Scheme to connect remote airports, its pet project that is not taking off as airlines are not keen to fly to unexplored destinations.
The New Civil Aviation Policy, 2016 announced on June 15 last had envisaged optimum use of airports and aircraft across the country.
The government had then said that it would extend late night flights beyond 1 am till 5 am. At present, domestic airspace is closed and international airspace is open, expect during emergency.
A top Ministry of Civil Aviation official said airlines are willing to start late night operations and they have ordered for 749 new plane for the domestic sector. Another official said that if late night operations are started, airports would need additional workforce for security, air traffic control
and for air operations.
European countries have banned late night flight operations, Germany and Britain allow restricted flight movement during late hours. These flights generally offer lower fares.