Patna. SpiceJet will no longer have monopoly on Darbhanga Airport in Bihar. Two new airlines companies have got permission to operate direct flights from here. With the commencement of services of these companies, SpiceJet’s monopoly on Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore routes will end. Besides this, ticket prices will also come down. According to the information, permission has been given to Akasa Air and Indigo to start direct air services on two major routes from Darbhanga.
SpiceJet’s monopoly will end
It has been only three years since Darbhanga Airport reopened, but a record 18 lakh passengers have flown through it. In such a situation, companies related to the aviation industry are eyeing this air route. Under the UDAN scheme, Spice Jet had a monopoly on major routes for three years. Now more than one airline company is going to get the opportunity to operate direct air services on these routes. Naturally, with the introduction of more airlines, competition regarding ticket prices will increase and people traveling by air will benefit from it.
New schedule may come in March
According to the information received under RTI, permission has been sought from both these aviation companies to start air services on these routes. A new schedule will be issued from Darbhanga Airport from the month of March. New airlines are going to get slots in the summer schedule only. Apart from Spice Jet, direct air services can be operated by IndiGo and new airline Akasa on Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore routes. However, official confirmation is yet to be received from AAI.
Akasa and Indigo asked for slots
According to the information received from AAI, apart from Spice Jet, Akasa and Indigo have requested for slots to operate airlines on Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore routes. His application has been considered. These two new airlines have received permission to operate direct flight services on two routes. The departmental process regarding this is being completed.
Currently 16 slots available from Darbhanga
There are currently 16 slots available at Darbhanga Airport. That means 16 planes can take off from Darbhanga airport every day and the same number of planes can land here. Thus, a total of 32 flights can operate from here daily. After the start of the new service on these two routes, there will definitely be an increase in aircraft movement at Darbhanga Airport. It is being told that for this, new POTA cabin is being constructed at a fast pace. Besides, the work of installing lights on the runway is also almost completed.