Low-cost international flights face hurdle flying out of Delhi airport
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Low-cost carriers that were planning to start international operations from Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 1D would have to rethink their plans, Times of India reported. A joint committee of the Airports Authority of India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had told the airport management that it would be a ‘waste of resources’ to start international operations at 1D. The report said despite these reservations, Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL) is still carrying on with work at the terminal. An airport source said was quoted saying: “DIAL has reportedly got clearance for construction work at the terminal and work has been going on for the past few months. “We are not sure if permission has been granted for actually carrying out international operations.” Indigo Airlines has announced the commencement of its international operations from September this year while SpiceJet, which operates two daily flights to Kathmandu from T3, is planning to shift them to T1D as well. Customs and immigration officials are against the move, saying that terminal 1D is too small for international operations. Sources say that they barely have enough staff at T3 and diverting some of them to terminal 1D will make work very difficult for them. “The terminal was built for domestic operations and there isn’t enough space to set up more counters for international operations. The move will also adversely affect domestic operations as half their space will be taken. How will three busy low-cost carriers manage their flights with four baggage belts?” the sources were quoted saying.
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