Surging air traffic and airspace congestion has significantly resulted in plaguing Mumbai Airport, one of the nation’s busiest aviation hubs, which has now triggered the Government of India to intervene for addressing the pressing issue. With the resumption of air travel post-pandemic restrictions, Mumbai Airport has witnessed a considerable increase in flight movements, exacerbating runway congestion and leading to extended circling times for aircraft.
The severity of the situation became evident as flights were compelled to hover over the city for prolonged durations, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. This inefficiency in airspace management not only incurs significant fuel wastage—up to 2.5 kilolitres per hour for a single aircraft—but also translates into escalated operational costs ultimately borne by consumers.
Recognizing the imperative to rectify this challenge, the Airport Authority of India conducted a meticulous analysis, pinpointing the congestion bottleneck primarily during the High Intensity Runway Operations (HIRO) period from 0800 hrs. to 1100 hrs. and 1700 to 2000 hrs. It was observed that the air traffic permitted during these peak hours was nearly equivalent to that allowed during the remaining 18 hours of the day.
Moreover, unregulated operations of General Aviation and Military Aircraft, coupled with the presence of transverse runways facilitating non-scheduled flights, further exacerbated congestion during peak hours.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Airport Authority of India, issued directives to mitigate airspace congestion. These directives, communicated through Notice to Air Men (NOTAMs) effective from January 2, 2024, imposed restrictions on air traffic movements during HIRO and non-HIRO periods, reducing permissible flights per hour.
Specifically, the restrictions entail a reduction from 46 to 44 flights per hour during HIRO, and from 44 to 42 flights per hour during non-HIRO periods. Furthermore, General Aviation aircraft operations during HIRO hours have been curtailed, aiming to alleviate congestion during peak traffic times.
This decisive action, undertaken in the interest of airspace safety, operational efficiency, and passenger satisfaction, underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a delicate balance between the interests of airport operators and airlines. It is imperative that Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) swiftly implements these measures to ensure compliance among all stakeholders and alleviate the strain on airspace resources.
The Government of India remains steadfast in its resolve to foster a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for passengers while upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency in airspace management.
