DGCA Chief: Airlines Face Major Challenges, Hopes for Better Days Ahead

• DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai acknowledges significant challenges for airlines, including longer routes and higher operational costs due to airspace restrictions.
• The ongoing West Asia conflict further complicates matters, forcing airlines to take longer routes, increasing fuel consumption and operational expenses.
• Kidwai emphasizes the DGCA's efforts to promote ease of doing business for airlines while also safeguarding passenger rights.
• He highlights the need to support carriers, noting that many airlines in India have previously gone out of business.
• Recent initiatives include offering 60% of domestic flight seats without additional charges and withdrawing fare caps imposed after IndiGo disruptions.