Stick-to-slot policy will be extended to more airports

Mumbai: After Delhi and Mumbai, the Air Transport Circular which ensures airlines stick to flight slots will be implemented in airports at Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad from September 1.
The circular was implemented in Mumbai and Delhi on July 19. Since then, flight delays in both these airports have been considerably reduced during morning and evening traffic hours. According to the circular, airlines must close their check-in counters 40 minutes before their departure time. The start-up clearance for the flight should be obtained 15 minutes in advance. And, the push-back action has to be completed within five minutes of seeking the permission.
Airlines had tried to resist these changes. But, they had to comply to avoid being pushed back to the end of the departure queue for not adhering to time slots.
Within three weeks, Mumbai airport saw more than 80% flights leave on time during traffic hours. This was a big improvement from the usual 45% on-time performance, particularly during morning hours.
10/08/10 Chinmayi Shalya/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: airports aug 2010