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10 Reasons Why Your Flight Gets Cancelled!

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or have flown only a few times, we know how frustrating it can get for you when a flight gets cancelled.

Thousands of flights get cancelled everyday all over the world and the only thing we as passengers can do is sit and wait for the next flight.

Most of the times flights are cancelled for obvious reasons but some times the airline has no explanation and we are left irritated.

To make you aware flyers, here are 10 reasons why airlines can cancel your flight

1.Security Threat

Flights are cancelled rarely because of this reason but it’s a very serious issue and probably you also won’t like to board the flight in such a situation.

Many flights get cancelled if there is a security threat at the airport or to the airline you’re flying from.

When it comes to security, airlines take it very seriously, so even if it’s an alleged threat they will cancel the flights or ground them immediately.

2.Unfavourable Weather

Weather is one the most primary reasons why a flight gets cancelled!

Be it thunderstorms, extremely cold weather, snow storms or even when it’s too hot, your flight will be grounded as airplanes can’t function properly in such weather conditions.

So before you leave for the airport the next time you fly, just check the weather reports of your departure/arrival destinations and then your flight status

3.Software Glitch

The aviation industry is heavily dependent on its IT infrastructure to function smoothly.

Since flight schedules and routes are entirely scheduled based on computer algorithms, a computer or software glitch can lead to bigger problems.

So, a glitch such as a system failure, power outage, cyber-attack, or other IT issues can lead to a cancelled flight.

In such cases, flyers are generally provided with a compensation by the airlines, but it depends entirely on the loss that the passenger may have incurred and the airline itself.

4.Aircraft/Mechanical Issue

A mechanical issue with the aircraft is also another reason for a flight getting cancelled.

Issues such as oil leakages or faulty engines can cause this. For instance, in the recent past, many airlines in India grounded their Airbus A320 neo aircraft due to faulty engines. In fact, airlines such as IndiGo and GoAir cancelled almost 65 flights across India in one day due to this reason.

In such cases, since passengers safety is always a priority, the faulty parts are replaced before the take-off, thus resulting in delays and cancellations.

Airlines generally switch passengers to a new flight or give a refund in such a scenario.

5.Unavailability Of Airline Crew

Airlines like every other organization, fall short of staff members and this happens more often than anticipated.

For instance, when a large number of people call sick and there are no replacements, flights get cancelled.

Also, since the crew operates for specific hours, flight delays eat up their shift hours. By the time they get to the destination, they’ve run out of hours to make the flight back, leaving the airplane with no crew.

In such instances, it’s better to start searching for another flight on which you can travel rather than waiting for the airline. You can even ask the sales desk at the airport for help.

6.Delayed Flights

Sometimes a scheduled flight may end up reaching late to its next destination from another airport. In such cases, flights eventually get delayed or cancelled.

It may be because of a technical error or weather issues.

An airline generally asks passengers to take another flight for cash incentives or shift them onto another flight which is scheduled later in the day.

7. To Avoid Large Cancellations

You may think that airlines want to cancel their flights to save money, but that’s not true.

Most of the flights on a network are generally interconnected.

Therefore, if there are heavy delays at an airport, an airline may choose to cancel flights flying from there, so that the glitch doesn’t cause a widespread delay throughout the day.

8.Lack Of Passengers

Flying an airplane is expensive!

Aside from the fuel and maintenance of the aircraft, there are several fees and other payments that the airline has to make to use an airport.

While there have been cases of airplanes taking off with barely any passengers, flights get cancelled if it’s not economical to make the trip.

Those who were supposed to be on the flight get bumped off to other flights, usually with some form of compensation.

9.Lack Of Airplanes/Overbooking

It’s common for airlines to overbook flights in anticipation of last-minute passenger cancellations and flight changes.

However, when all passengers push through with their original plans, then flights get too overbooked and there’s simply no other airplane to fly the rest.

10.An Unfit Pilot

An Airplane’s pilot crew consists of a pilot, a first officer and sometimes a second officer.

All three need to be in good flying condition to ensure the safety of the passengers and the crew onboard.

When one of the pilots become “unfit to fly”, the flight won’t push through. There are reserve pilots on the ground, but if the airplane is flying out of a location without the airline head office, the reserve pilots are scarce.

If you want to know whether your flight has been delayed or cancelled, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get real-time flight and weather updates, along with all the airline and airport information you need on the move.

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User Development Fee To Be Reduced At Bangalore Airport!

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has decided to slash the User Development Fee(UDF) for departing domestic and international passengers from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore from September 16th, 2018 to March 31st, 2019.

An order issued by AERA on August 31st said that UDF collected from the international passenger for a ticket issued on or after September 16, 2018 will be Rs`558 per person. For domestic passengers, it will be Rs`139 per person.

The order also said that the UDF for international passengers for a ticket issued on or after April 1, 2019 will be `Rs 716 per person and for domestic, Rs 179.

Currently, a UDF of `Rs 1,537.08 is collected from international departure passengers and `Rs 384.27 from domestic departure passengers.

Aircraft parking, handling and housing charges for flights using the airport too have been slashed substantially, a move that will provide a huge benefit to all airlines suffering heavy losses.

This decision taken by AERA has been getting a mixed response. While some say the revised fee is “reasonable”, others argue that it should be zero, considering that the airport is making profits.

It’s, however, not clear whether the benefits of the reduction in the UDF will reach the end-user as airfares are independent of the UDF. It is market dynamics and not the UDF size which determines final fares.

According to Bangalore International Airport Limited(BIAL) CEO, Mr Hari Marar, Everything in the airline industry is dependent on demand and supply. A ticket might cost `Rs 20,000 one day and Rs `5,000 on another day. So, this aspect of UDF will not translate into an instant reduction in air fare

 

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Mumbai Airport Renamed As “Chhatrapati Shivaji ‘Maharaj’ International Airport”!

Nearly two years after a resolution was passed in the Maharashtra Assembly, Mumbai Airport has finally been renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji ‘Maharaj’ International Airport.

On Thursday, Union Ministry formally approved a request from the Maharashtra government to add ‘Maharaj’ to the name.

Union Aviation Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, confirmed this news by tweeting about it. He said that   Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is now Chhatrapati Shivaji ‘Maharaj’ International Airport and was very thankful to the current government for approving this decision. He also congratulated the people of Maharashtra via the tweet.

A demand to add the honorific was first made in 2016 by BJP MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, a descendant of the Maratha warrior king. Following that, the Maharashtra assembly passed a resolution to rename the airport and the railway station.

While Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) became Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus soon after, the proposal to rename Mumbai’s international airport was pending.

The airport’s renaming will mean that airport authorities will have to make a lot of changes, from informing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to changing all the boards on the airport premises. The civic authorities will also have to change the signage on the city roads that lead to the international airport.

Mumbai airport is no stranger to changes in its name. Built to serve bombers of the Royal Air Force during World War ll , it was known as RAF Santacruz in the 1930s. Post-independence, it came to be known as Bombay International Airport.

In 1970, once the international travel started booming in India, the airport shifted its international operations to a new terminal near Sahara Village in Andheri. That terminal was referred to as Sahar International Airport, while the original Bombay International Airport came to be known as Santacruz Airport.

In 2006, the airport was privatized and the two terminals were collectively referred to as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai.

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Airports With A View:10 Most Scenic Airports In India!

Airports connect us to cities and towns across the world!

They are the perfect example of modern architecture endowed with amazing amenities which help kickstart a travellers journey on a good note.

Most airports have glistening floors, attractive book stores, posh lounges and amazing restaurants. But there are some who can woe any passenger by its beautiful surroundings and amazing views.

And if You’re wondering where they are, look no further. They are right here in India!

Here’s a list of the 10 most stunning airports in India that are sometimes even more beautiful than the destination themselves.

1.Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

Located in the dreamy location of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Veer Savarkar International Airport is an airport with a stunning view.

With deep blue ocean and evergreen rainforest all around, this airport will charm you with its natural beauty.

The airport is also known as the Port Blair Airport  and is located around 2 Km south of the beautiful city. It used to be a customs only airport however, they recently started commercial operations.

2.Lengpui Airport, Mizoram

Surrounded by lush green mountains in North East India, Lengpui Airport is a domestic airport located in Aizawl in Mizoram.

Before Pakyong Airport in Sikkim, this was one of the major airports that connected northeast with the rest of India.

One more interesting fact about this scenic airport is that it is located 2500 meters above sea level. There are several mountain water streams running underneath the airport, which add to its beauty.

3.Gaggal Airport, Kangra

Also known as the Kangra Airport, this domestic airport is located in the beautiful city of Gaggal in Himachal Pradesh.

With Dharmshala and Kangra in the close proximity, Kangra airport is quite easy to reach.

Among the list of popular airports in India in the north, Gaggal is crucial. If you are considering a trip to the mountains in the Great Himalayas, this airport can come handy.

The airport is majorly operated by Indian Air Force and is connected with Delhi and Chandigarh. Passengers travelling to this airport often experience beautiful views in serenity surrounded by cool calming winds.

4.Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar

This beautiful airport looks over the spectacular surroundings of Srinagar and is located amidst the lush green mountains of the city.

The integrated terminal and runway, which is overlooked by the great Himalayan Mountain range, highlights the beauty of the airport.

It is co-owned by the Indian Air Force and Airports Authority Of India(AAI) and caters to the major airports in North India and Bangalore in South India.

5.Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

At 3256 meters above sea level, the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is counted amongst the highest located airports in the world.

The airport is surrounded by majestic brown mountains and if your flight is landing or taking off from the airport, you can see snow covered mountains in the distance, which add to the beauty of the view.

All flights take off only in the morning to avoid the afternoon mountain winds. Regular flights operate from the airport to Delhi, Mumbai, J&K, Srinagar, and Chandigarh.

6.Shimla Airport, Shimla

Time will fly when you’re waiting for your flight at this airport. You can see regional airplanes land at the beautiful runway with Himalayan mountains in the backdrop of the view.

It is located in the Jubbarhatti district of Himachal Pradesh some 22 km from the capital city.

It was constructed by cutting the hilltop off and levelling the land . It is perched upon a hill at an altitude of 1546 meters and offers a breath-taking view of lush green valleys all around.

7.Agatti Aerodrome, Lakshadweep

Located on a very narrow strip of land surrounded by endless blue waters is the Agatti Aerodrome in Lakshadweep.

It is considered as one of the best airports in terms of scenic beauty.

It is a domestic airport owned by AAI and is connects Lakshadweep to Bangalore and Kochi. The airport is so small that its terminal building is capable of handling only 50 people during the peak hours.

8.Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati

Also known as Guwahati International Airport, the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the busiest airport in Northeast India.

The airport, located 26 km from the city centre, is named after the freedom fighter Gopinath Bordoloi.

The airport also serves as the airbase to the Indian Air Force.

9.Dabolim Airport, Goa

Goa Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, is the only airport in the state.

However, it is well designed and resembles a dreamy spectacle by the side of the Arabian Sea.

Due to the popularity of Goa, the airport sees 131 aircraft movement each day. The airport has an integrated terminal too for the convenience of the passengers.

10.Pakyong Airport, Sikkim

Located in Sikkim’s Capital, Gangtok, this airport recently became operational.

The airport is surrounded by green mountains and is located at a height of 4590 ft above sea level. In fact, this airport is considered one of the 5 highest altitude airports in India.

It is the first Greenfield Airport in Northeast India and is spread across 990 acres.

So, the next time you happen to travel to one of these airports, spare some time to explore the spot by using the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about things to do and places to visit at the airport along with airline information and real-time flight updates on the move.

Get mesmerized by the beauty of these airports and fly stress-free!

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Mumbai Airport Introduce Emergency Passenger Evacuation Vehicles!

In a bid to increase passenger safety in case of an aircraft accident, Mumbai Airport will soon introduce advanced ‘Emergency Passenger Evacuation Vehicles’.

These vehicles will be used to rescue stranded travellers from inaccessible areas of the aircraft. The vehicle covers all types of aircraft currently used in the aviation industry, including the A380, which is the biggest civilian aircraft available today.

According to Mumbai International Airport Limited(MIAL), these vehicles can be deployed where other conventional alighting systems, which are used to help people get off the airplane in an emergency situation, fail.

Here’s how these vehicles work:

  • In case the aircraft steers away from its normal path on the runway or in case of accidents, this vehicle can be rushed to the spot and the attached ladder can be extended up to the aircraft door for passengers & crew to be safely evacuated.
  • This ladder can be extended up to a maximum height of 8.3 meters or 27 feet.
  • The escape stairs have a high evacuation load capacity of approximately 115 people at one time.
  • This machine is equipped with a 540 HP engine, with an acceleration of 0-80 km per hour in less than 40 seconds.
  • The vehicle is fitted with a high-pressure smoke ventilation system, which can remove smoke from the fuselage/ cockpit and increase the chances of surviving.
  • This machine can also reach off-road surfaces with its 6X6 wheel drive system.

Fast evacuation is essential for survival in accidents involving fire. These vehicles will help evacuate passengers from the aircraft under 90 seconds.

The goal of these vehicles is to carry passengers from their seat in the aircraft to a safe area with speed and efficiency.

The induction of these vehicles is part of MIAL’s effort to make Mumbai Airport one of the best in the world.

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Cochin International Airport Resumes Flight Operations After 2 Weeks!

Cochin International Airport, which is the 4th busiest airport in terms of international traffic in the country, has finally resumed flight operations after 14 days.

The airport was rendered dysfunctional since 15 August, after heavy rainfall and floods created havoc in the state of Kerala.

It has been reported that the airport has suffered an estimated loss of Rs 200-250 crores after it was shut down.

The airport has commenced full-scale operations, both international and domestic, with an Indigo flight from Ahmedabad making the first landing at around 2.05 p.m. on Wednesday. In total there were 33 landings and 34 departures of different flights till midnight.

The airport was earlier scheduled to commence operations on Sunday but had extended the date by three days after most stakeholders, including airlines and ground-handling agencies, expressed concern over returning back to work from the traumatic flood situation.

For the past three days, more than 1,000 people were engaged in putting the airport back in order, cleaning and repairing the systems which became non-functional after flood waters entered the complex.

The runway, taxi bay, duty-free shops and other areas of international and domestic terminals were submerged, damaging electrical equipment, including runway lights.

The airport was first closed on August 9, for a few hours, after which it was again shut on August 15. Cochin International Airport is the busiest of three airports in Kerala and handled 10 million passengers in 2017-18

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Carry-On Luggage Screening To Tighten At Indian Airports!

Passengers flying from major Indian airports will have to take out their wallets, mobile phones, chargers and other electronic items from carry-on bags for separate screening.

Till now, only laptops and tablets were required to be kept in separate trays for screening at security but that is no longer the case.

According to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials, while scanning handbags, the screen shows a lot of clutter inside it. This causes a lot of difficulty to the security personnel since they are not sure what is inside the bags.

In fact, in the past few days, security personnel have had to check oddly sized pens after cases of knives inside them had been reported. Also, people with gun licenses often bring bullets with them which has to be checked and removed manually.

The security personnel has to request the passenger to remove all electronic items if the security screen is not clear and if there is too much doubt, bags have to be checked manually, which slows down the processing time, leading to long queues.

The decision to remove all electronic items and wallets has been taken to speed up the handbag screening process without affecting the quality of checks.

The CISF will go ‘back to basics’, where they are going to put up a board at Pre-Embarkation Security Check (PESC) points reminding passengers to remove anything not allowed in aircraft that they may have forgotten by mistake in their handbags like scissors or knives.

Congestion at PESC is a major concern as most Indian airports since they have not added adequate infrastructure to support the 20 % growth in air passenger traffic in the past 4 years.

Since expanding existing terminals and building new airports takes years, aviation authorities are trying to incorporate technology to help Indian airports manage the growing traffic.

Airports Authority Of India(AAI) is looking into getting 3D luggage scanners which are currently being tested at the New York JFK and London Heathrow Airport. They don’t require passengers to take out laptops and other electronic items from the bags.

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India’s 1st Biofuel Powered Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight!

India’s first biofuel-powered aircraft landed yesterday at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

Last week it was announced that Indian carrier SpiceJet would first test fly it over Dehradun, and if a success, would again fly it from the hill station to the national capital.

Union Ministers Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan,Civil Aviation Minster Mr. Suresh Prabhu and other top officials were at the airport when the SpiceJet flight,arrived in the capital. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat flagged off the flight in Dehradun.

For the test flight, which carried 28 people, including five crew members, the aircraft’s right engine was filled with 75% Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and 25% of biofuel, made from Jatropha plant. The 45 minuet flight was completed with a Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

The fuel was prepared by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun. The institute’s Director, Mr. Anjan Ray, said around 330 kg of biofuel was made for flight.

According to SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Ajay Singh, it was a “historic occasion” to operate the test flight and said that India is the first among developing countries to fly an airplane powered by biofuel.

Science and Technology Minister, Mr Harsh Vardhan has said that bio-jet fuel is carbon neutral and that only three to four nations are using it. He also emphasised that ways should be explored to scale up production of such fuels.

Biofuel is low cost and helps in significantly reducing carbon emissions. It has the potential to reduce the dependence on traditional aviation fuel by up to 50% on every flight and bring down fares

It also comes at a time when the airline industry is grappling with spiralling fuel prices that are impacting their profitability. However, use of biofuel for regular flights would take some time.

International authorities such as International Air Transport Association(IATA) & American Standard Testing Method (ASTM) have been looking into using bio-jet fuel for some time now.

IATA has also set out a target for one billion passengers to fly on aircraft using a mix of clean energy and fossil fuels by 2025.

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