Pune Airport authorities have allocated 218 slots to airlines for daily flight operations during the winter schedule, of which 206 have been reserved. However, actual flight operations remain limited to around 190-195 daily departures, according to airport administration.
Aviation experts claim that some airlines have blocked slots to prevent competitors from operating during those times. This practice, where reserved slots are not utilized, has contributed to limited seat availability. With demand outweighing supply, passengers are forced to pay higher ticket prices.
“Aviation slots are being reserved unnecessarily, not to launch new services but to obstruct competitors. This practice hurts passengers and other airlines,” said aviation expert Dhairyasheel Wandekar.
The winter schedule, which began a month ago, added services to 10 cities, including Trivandrum, Chennai, Indore, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Kochi, Bangkok, and Dubai.
However, the total number of flights operating from Pune Airport remains unchanged at an average of 95-97 daily departures. Even on Sundays, the busiest day for air traffic, the figure has not exceeded 100.
Despite increased connectivity to 35 cities from Pune, passengers are yet to experience an increase in flight frequency. The stagnation has been attributed to slot hoarding by airlines.
Slot reservation without corresponding flight operations directly impacts passengers, as fewer seats are available. This increases ticket prices due to limited options. In contrast, increased flight operations would enhance seat availability, leading to more competitive pricing for travelers.
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke emphasized that while the administration provided 218 slots, it is up to the airlines to commence operations. "The airport authority cannot intervene in how airlines utilize their reserved slots," he said.
Experts have called for action against airlines that misuse slot reservations. “Blocking slots without operating flights is unfair to passengers and competing airlines,” Wandekar added.