Akasa backs proposal to let airport operators launch airlines
Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube has backed a government proposal that could allow airport operators such as Adani and GMR to run airlines, subject to Law Ministry clearance and Union Cabinet approval. IndiGo has flagged potential conflicts around slot allocation.
What happened
Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube backed a proposal to let airport operators run airlines. If approved, it could open aviation entry for Adani and GMR, while IndiGo
Key facts
- Delhi and Mumbai airport operators currently cannot hold more than 10% in an airline
- Adani operates Mumbai airport plus 7 other airports
- GMR operates Delhi airport plus 4 other airports
- IndiGo and Air India account for about 90% of domestic capacity
- Akasa Air has 40 Boeing 737 aircraft
- Akasa Air completes 4 years on Friday
Why this matters
The policy could make airport-airline combinations a viable strategic option, prompting partnership and acquisition reviews across India’s aviation value chain.