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Which Is The Busiest Air Route In The World?

AirWhizzSep 17, 2018 No Comments

Which Is The Busiest Air Route In The World?

Aviation Insider

With air travel becoming more popular and accessible each year, it’s no surprise that the airplane is the most preferred mode of travel.

With millions of travellers flying around the world every day, it only makes you wonder which is the most travelled air route.

Is it London to New York or Hongkong to Singapore? Well, the answer will surprise you!

Recently, UK based Aviation Researchers OAG came out with the list of busiest air routes in the world based on passenger and aircraft movements. This is what they found out-

Jeju To Seoul Is The Busiest Air Route In The World

The world’s most crowded flight path is the 282-mile connection between the South Korean island of Jeju and the capital Seoul.

Last year, there were 64,991 departures between Jeju and Seoul, equating to an impressive 178 flights per day. A staggering 13,460,306 passenger travelled between the two airports.

Why Are So Many People Flying On This Route?

Interestingly, the route is hugely popular due to tourism rather than business.

Jeju is the capital of an island called Jejudo, which might just be the most popular holiday destination you’ve never heard of.

UNESCO-listed, and billed as South Korea’s ‘Hawaii’, it’s pure Instagram gold, and home to dramatic volcanic landscapes, underground caves, hiking trails and scenic beaches.

There are also casinos, which help lure travellers and thanks to the island’s self-governing status, anyone can visit without a visa.

The Busiest Air Routes In The World

The top ten busiest air routes in the world are all domestic with the 443 mile stretch from Melbourne to Sydney in second place with 54,519 departures. A total of 9,090,941 passengers flew between the two airports.

It’s no surprise that Delhi to Bombay is the 3rd busiest air route in the world in terms of aircraft movements and 5th in terms of passenger movements.

Here’s The Top 10 Busiest Air Routes In The World:

In Terms of Aircraft Movement
  • Jeju- Seoul (CJU-GMP) – 64,991
  • Melbourne – Sydney (MEL-SYD) – 54,519
  • Mumbai – Delhi (BOM-DEL) – 47,462
  • Fukuoka – Toyota Haneda (FUK-HND) – 42,835
  • Rio De Janerio – Sao Paulo Congonhas (GIG-GRU) – 39,325
  • Sapporo – Toyota Haneda (CTS-HND) – 38,389
  • Los Angeles – San Francisco (LAX-SFO) – 34,897
  • Brisbane – Sydney (BNE-SYD) – 33,765
  • Cape Town-Johannesburg (CPT-JNB) – 31,914
  • Beijing – Shanghai (PEK-SHA) – 30,029
In Terms Of Passenger Movement
  • Jeju – Seoul (CJU-GMP) – 13,460,306
  • Melbourne – Sydney (MEL-SYD) – 9,090,941
  • Sapporo – Tokyo Haneda (CTS-HND) – 8,726,502
  • Fukuoka – Tokyo Haneda (FUK-HND) – 7,864,000
  • Mumbai – Delhi (BOM-DEL) – 7,129,943
  • Beijing – Shanghai (PEK-SHA) – 6,833,684
  • Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (HAN-SGN) – 6,769,823
  • Hong Kong – Taiwan Taoyuan (HKG-TPE) – 6,719,030
  • Jakarta – Juanda Surabaya (CGK-SUB) – 5,271,304
  • Tokyo Haneda – Okinawa (HND-OKA) – 5,269,481
The Top 10 Busiest International Air Routes In The World (According To Passenger Movement) :
  1. Hong Kong – Taiwan Taoyuan (HKG-TPE) – 6,719,030
  2. Jakarta – Singapore Changi (CGK-SIN) – 4,810,602
  3. Hong Kong – Shanghai Pudong (HKG-PVG) – 4,162,347
  4. Kuala Lumpur – Singapore Changi (KUL-SIN) – 4,108,824
  5. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi – Hong Kong (BKK-HKG) – 3,438,628
  6. Dubai – London Heathrow (DXB-LHR) – 3,210,121
  7. Hong Kong – Seoul Incheon (HKG-ICN) – 3,198,132
  8. Hong Kong – Singapore Changi (HKG-SIN) – 3,147,384
  9. New York JFK – London Heathrow (JFK-LHR) – 2,972,817
  10. Hong Kong – Beijing Capital (HKG-PEK) – 2,962,707
The Busiest Air Routes By Region
  • Jeju – Seoul (CJU-GMP) is the busiest within Asia-Pacific
  • Jeddah – Riyadh (JED-RUH) is the busiest within the Middle East
  • Cape Town – Johannesburg (CPT-JNB) is the busiest within Africa
  • Cancun – Mexico City (CUN-MEX) is the busiest within South/Central America
  • New York JFK – Los Angeles (JFK-LAX) is the busiest within North America
  • Izmir – Istanbul (ADB-IST) is the busiest within Europe

The Busiest Air Routes In India*

Now that we have an idea about the busiest air routes in the world, let’s take a look at the busiest air routes in India.

Busiest Domestic Air Routes In India:
  • Delhi – Mumbai (DEL-BOM) – 6,963,502
  • Delhi – Bangalore (DEL-BLR) – 4,152,372
  • Mumbai – Chennai (BOM-MAA) – 3,416,363
  • Delhi – Kolkata (DEL- CCU) – 3,002,957
  • Delhi – Pune (DEL-PNQ) – 2,580,697
  • Mumbai – Goa (BOM-GOI) – 2,502,387
  • Delhi – Hyderabad (DEL-HYD) – 2,486,276
  • Delhi – Chennai (DEL-CAA) – 2,409,784
  • Mumbai – Bangalore(BOM-BLR) – 2,330,557
  • Mumbai – Hyderabad (BOM-HYD) – 2,192,041
Busiest International Air Routes From India:
  • Mumbai – Dubai (BOM-DXB) – 2,432,260
  • Delhi – Dubai (DEL-DXB) – 2,072,847
  • Chennai – Singapore (CAA-SIN) – 1,194,124
  • Delhi – London (DEL-LHR) – 1,010,439
  • Hyderabad – Dubai (HYD-DXB) – 993,961
  • Chennai – Dubai (CAA-DXB) – 976,026
  • Delhi – Bangkok (DEL-BKK) – 960,205
  • Mumbai – London (BOM-LHR) – 957,814
  • Chennai – Bangkok (CAA-BKK) – 848,217
  • Mumbai – Bangkok (BOM-BKK) – 824,751

*In Terms Of Passenger Movement

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Everything You Need To Know About Hyderabad Airport!

AirWhizzSep 10, 2018 No Comments

Everything You Need To Know About Hyderabad Airport!

Aviation Insider

Since its initiation back in 2008, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has delivered world-class services making it one of the most sought-after airports in the world.

With its technological prowess and magnanimous infrastructure, it has served and wooed weary air travellers who travel to the beautiful city in Telangana.

Yet, many of us are unaware of the years of dedication and planning that has gone in making this modern marvel.

So, let’s take a look at this airport’s journey and what it has achieved over the years.

History

In the 1930’s Hyderabad had its first airport known as the Begumpet Airport. It was used by the Nizam of Hyderabad for international and domestic travel and later was opened to commercial operations.

With the rise in popularity of air travel in the late 1990’s, Begumpet Airport was unable to handle the rising passenger traffic. The state government considered converting the Air Force Base in Hakimpet for civilian use, but the defence forces refused.

However, the Ministry Of Defence suggested three locations south of the Begumpet Airport, which were Bongloor, Nadergul and Shamshabad.

Due to its convenient location near two highways (NH 44/NH 765) and a railway line, Shamshabad was selected in December 1998.

In November 2000, the State Government and Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) on the greenfield airport project, establishing it as a public-private partnership. The State and AAI together would hold a 26% stake in the project, while the remaining 74% would be allotted to private companies.

Through the bidding process, GMR group and  Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) were chosen as the holders of the 74% stake. In December 2002, Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (HIAL), later renamed GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), was created as a special purpose entity, into which the State, AAI and GMR–MAHB placed their stakes.

Construction of the new airport started on 16th March 2005 when Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation stone. Roughly three years after the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) was inaugurated on 14th  March 2008 amid protests.

The ‘Telugu Desam Party’ wanted to change the name of the airport. In addition, on 12th and 13th  March, 20,000 AAI employees had conducted a strike against the closure of Begumpet Airport, as well as that of HAL Airport in Bangalore, fearing they would lose their jobs.

RGIA was originally scheduled to open for commercial operations on 16th  March 2008, however, the date was delayed due to protests from some airlines over the high ground handling rates at the airport. Once the rates were reduced, operations commenced on 23rd  March 2008.

Awards & Recognition

  1. It won the ‘CNBC Infrastructure Excellence Award’ for Airports in 2009.
  2. In 2009, it also bagged the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation’s (CAPA) award in the category, “Best Airport Environmental Performance of the Year”.
  3. Since 2010, RGIA has been in the Top 3 Rankings of Airports Council International’s (ACI), Airport Service Quality(ASQ) awards in the 5 to 15 Million Passengers Per Annum(MMPA) category. It has bagged the number 1 spot 4 times.
  4. RGIA was awarded the prestigious National Tourism Award in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 under the ‘Best Airport’ category.
  5. In 2011, GHIAL was awarded a ‘Certificate of Merit’ in the General Category Sector at the National Energy Conservation Awards, in recognition of the initiatives taken by them to conserve energy
  6. RGIA has been honoured with the ‘Best Cargo Airport & Best Cargo Terminal of the Year’ in 2012 & 2013, by the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI).
  7. In 2013, RGAI had been judged as the ‘Best Emerging Airport’ in Indian Sub-Continent at the ‘Emerging Airports Awards’.
  8. RGIA was given the title of ‘Favourite Indian Airport’ at the Condé Nast Traveller India Awards.
  9. GHIAL received the “Quality Excellence Award for Best Customer Service Result” at the National Quality Excellence Awards in 2013.
  10. RGAI received the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Award for “Excellent Energy Efficient Unit” in 2014 and 2018.

Interesting Facts About Hyderabad Airport

  • The GMR Aviation Academy & Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy are located inside the airport premises.
  • GHIAL has been awarded the 5-star rating for its Health and Safety Management System from the British Safety Council.
  • In fact, It was the first airport in the world to get a 5-star rating.
  • It was the first airport in Asia Pacific to become Carbon Neutral by getting a ‘Level 3+’ certification from the Airports Council Of India, in recognition of their efforts to manage and reduce CO2 emissions.
  • It’s the largest airport in India by the area covered. It is spread across 5459 acres.
  • RGIA was the 1st airport in India to introduce E-Boarding for all domestic passengers.

If you want to know about things to do at the Hyderabad Airport, look no further. Download the AirWhizz app and get information about different places to eat, shop & relax at RGIA along with real-time flight updates the next time you fly.

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10 Tips To Survive A Long-Haul Flight!

AirWhizzSep 07, 2018 No Comments

10 Tips To Survive A Long-Haul Flight!

Travel Like a Pro

With air travel becoming popular each day, airlines are looking at new routes to connect us to the world.

It is finally possible to fly to far off destinations about which you have dreamed about.

But before you reach your destination you’ll be sitting in a stuffy aircraft cabin for more than 8 hours ,which might sound like a nightmare to most.

However, a little preparation can make long-haul International flights a breeze!

To help you start your holiday refreshed and relaxed as soon as you airplane lands, here are 10 travel tips to survive a long haul flight.

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

One of the most essential long-haul flight tips is to think ahead and choose a good seat on a flight which is scheduled to depart at a comfortable time.

Make sure that you check-in online and pre-book your seat. Whether you’re an aisle person( for ease of moving around) or a window person (for views and something to lean on), it’s essential to ensure you don’t spend your time for elbow room in the dreaded middle seat.

Also, try to book a seat in the emergency exit row if possible, so that you have extra legroom.

2.Book The Right Flight

The cheapest flight isn’t always the best!

Yes, if it’s a short journey you can survive the small seats and the lack of service. But when it comes to long-haul flights you have to think about what that flight is actually going to be like.

Many budget carriers have long layovers at terrible airports, so keep that in mind. It’s better to pay a few thousand rupees more to travel in comfort.

Also, try to book a flight that arrives at your destination in the morning. This way you can sleep through most of your journey and begin your holiday when the sun is up and the city is active.

In case, you have budget restrictions, read more about “Top 10 Budget Carriers That Fly Out Of India”.

3.Wear Comfortable Clothes For Your Trip

Dress for Comfort, not looks!

Wear an outfit that you will be comfortable in, even after 10 hours of flying.

Remember, sitting still and being blasted by an air-conditioning system can get chilly. Wear several loose layers to help you adjust to the temperatures inside the cabin.

Also, wear closed toed shoes rather than flip-flops. Make sure you don’t wear any footwear that’s too tight because your feet tend to swell up at high altitudes.

4. Prepare Yourself For Sleep

You’ll be on the airplane for quite some time, so it’s worth bringing a few long-haul flight essentials.

Start with a lightweight blanket and invest in a good travel pillow to make sleeping on an airplane more comfortable.

An eye mask and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can make you forget about the other 300 odd passengers sitting inside.

Read More About  “10 Travel Essentials You Should Bring On A Long-Haul Flight”

5.Don’t Stuff Your Carry-On Bag

Don’t pack too much in your cabin luggage. While a few little extras definitely help, keep things travel-sized and to a minimum.

There’s nothing more stressful than carrying around a big suitcase and trying to fit it in the overhead bin.

Try to carry a small suitcase that you can keep in the overhead bin and a handbag or back pack (depending on your airline’s hand baggage policy) to keep smaller essentials such as your headphones and tablet/laptop within your reach.

6.Pack Your Own Snacks

Of course, you’ll get meals on long-haul flights, but the timing of those meals might be an issue.

International flights travel through different time zones, which means you will end up with breakfast at dinner time and a heavy meal, first thing in the morning.

To avoid feeling hungry while you wait for the food trolley to come, pack some fruits, salads, nuts, protein bars or other healthy homemade snacks.

7. Stay Hydrated

Did you know? Our body sheds up to 1.5 liters of water during a three-hour flight!

The air inside the airplane is almost 15 % drier than the air that we breathe on the ground and the chances of becoming dehydrated are high.

Remember to regularly drink water during a flight. It will keep the oxygen levels in your body up and will help boost your energy. You will feel energetic and lively.

8. Move Around The Airplane

Not moving enough on the airplane is the biggest reason why you feel inactive after a flight.

Why not use the aisle instead?

Stretching and small muscle-friendly exercises will help you keep your energy up and your body active. Speaking of which, mind your posture as well! A simple shoulders-back-and-spine-straight stance will go a long way.

9. Make A Few Friends

Flights are a great opportunity to meet interesting people going your way.

One of the most fun ways to survive a long-haul flight is to strike up a conversation with your seat-mate.

Making small talk can be an exhausting task, but chatting with a fellow traveller keeps you alert when you’re flying. It keeps your mind active, engages you, and who knows, you may end up with a  new travelling companion by the time you step off the airplane.

10.Relax & Enjoy Your Ride

There is no better time to just forget about your worries and do nothing than when you’re flying. No mobile phone coverage, a dedicated crew to pamper you and someone else in the driving seat.

Use the time to catch up on that book you haven’t had the chance to read, the list of movies you didn’t get the time to watch or get excited about your destination by going through the guidebook.

See those eight, ten or twelve hours as bonus time and your long flight will immediately become a positive thing rather than a drag.

So, the next time you fly and are looking for travel accessories, headphones, sleeping gear or just a nice book to read, download the AirWhizz App. Avail exclusive discounts on Swiss Military accessories as an app user and get information about airport shops and their location on the move.

Have a comfortable flight and Fly Stress-Free!

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10 Reasons Why Your Flight Gets Cancelled!

AirWhizzSep 03, 2018 No Comments

10 Reasons Why Your Flight Gets Cancelled!

Aviation Insider

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

AirWhizzAug 31, 2018 No Comments

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

Aviation Insider

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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Artificial Intelligence: The Future Of Air Travel!

AirWhizzAug 27, 2018 No Comments

Artificial Intelligence: The Future Of Air Travel!

Aviation Insider

Thanks to emerging technologies and growing knowledge of digital data collection, we’ve reached a tipping point in the evolution of aviation Information Technology (IT).

If this trend continues to grow over the next couple of decades we’ll see a radical change in the way we travel by air. And it will all be down to new types of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.

With airports such as the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore planning to use biometric scanners to improve security & airlines such as Vistara using humanoid robots to improve customer experience, we can clearly see that AI is here to stay.

But before we get into how AI has been implemented in the aviation industry and its uses, let us tell you a bit about what exactly Artificial Intelligence is.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a complex digital system which simulates human intelligence processes or in simple terms, human behaviour.

It uses machines and computer systems to acquire information, reach conclusions and solve problems in the way we as humans would do. AI uses technologies such as Big Data, Augmented reality and Virtual Reality to do this.

Although building machines that initiate common sense, reasoning and problem-solving is a difficult and tedious task, the aviation industry is actively exploring and introducing AI technologies in all its sectors.

Future Of AI In Aviation?

1.On-Time Performance

Flight disruptions, mainly due to weather, costed the air transportation industry almost $25 Billion last year.

That’s why airlines and airports are looking at technologies to enhance responsiveness during disruptions, improving performance and customer service.

It is predicted that over the next 3 years 80% of the airlines around the world will invest in major Research & Development programs for creating prediction & Warning Systems. These will heavily rely on AI.

2.Human Interaction

The Chatbot is another AI driven technology which is catching up with this industry. Globally, almost 14% of airlines and 9% of airports now use this program.

Aviation authorities all over the world want to embrace chatbots to help customers out. It is predicted that by 2020, 68% of airlines and 42% of airports plan to adopt AI-driven chatbot services.

Chatbots mimic human conversation, they can help with customer queries, perform check-ins and book flights. A machine taking your reservation via voice commands is on the brink of becoming a reality.

3.AI Driven Humanoid Robots

More AI applications will arrive as the popularity of air travel rises. It will help authorities challenge the significant growth in passenger traffic.

Throughout the airport, AI will manage humanoid robots for information and guidance, check-in, immigration, luggage transport duties and a whole lot more around airport operations and security.

Equipped with face recognition, they’ll understand spoken language, print or show information on screens, scan passports and boarding passes, process visas, and show people the way.

4. Automated Airport Operations

Augmented by robots, AI will evolve to support flight operations, facility management, baggage handling and cargo operations.

It will be working behind the scenes to transfer bags/equipment, reassign gates and coordinate with the ground crew to accommodate changes in schedule as well as service interruptions.

What Are The Challenges?

1.Data Management

A large amount of data will be in use as the aviation industry embraces AI. This will give rise to data confidentiality risks.

A recent incident happened with Emirates airline where the airline leaked customer data to third parties without authorization.

Customer details such as name, email, itinerary, phone number and even passport number were shared with third-party service providers like Google & Facebook.

2.Tracking Progress

Tracking progress is an enormous challenge that airlines will face.

The first thing they need to do is to develop analytics that will help them develop and process accurate data. However, that in itself is a challenge.

For example, customer satisfaction is going to be one of the most important factors in success. What kind of analytics will determine that airlines have been improving on customer satisfaction parameters?

3.Managing Investment

AI needs huge investments and probably the biggest risk in this is that smaller, especially budget airlines may miss out on reaping the benefits of AI fully.

Does that mean that the performance of the smaller carriers will be impacted? That might not be the case, because we might be moving toward more acquisitions and mergers.

Bigger airlines will have a massive appetite for acquiring smaller airlines with an eye on the market.

How Air Travel May Look In The Future?

  • Let’s say today is the first day of your vacation, and you’ll be flying somewhere new. AI will do everything for you from the moment you booked your flight. It will select the best flight time, your preferred seat /customized meals, and even get you checked in on your flight.

 

  • Once you arrive at the airport, your AI assistant will suggest you to go to the shortest queue, because it has predicted it is the shortest path with the least congestion. In future airports, there will be very little waiting in lines because AI will predict the movements of each passenger, will optimize the flow and will allocate queues accordingly. There will no longer be a need to arrive at the airport two hours prior.

 

  • At the security check you wont have to spend time waiting in the line. AI will recognize you and confirm your identity with biometric data and face recognition. Since AI will report that there is no suspicious object detected, you will finish your security process within minutes.

 

  • Before you get on the airplane, AI will finish the aircraft diagnosis, weather analysis, predict risk and plan the flight. The accurate scheduled time will be updated in real-time and shared with you directly.

 

  • The airplane will not need to wait on the taxiway for its turn to take off. AI will support individual flights and the entire navigation system. It will support the airplane traffic flow optimally to provide the best route toward your destination.

 

  • Potential risks will be identified and mitigated to avoid unexpected conflict. If a situation arises, it will flexibly be managed through AI to ensure a safe flight.

 

  • You’ll arrive on time and baggage claim, customs or immigration will be handled quickly and smoothly.

 

  • AI will capture data from the journey and the chat-bot from the airline will check in with you to ensure you had a pleasant flight. The AI will then use your response to improve its knowledge for better service.

It sounds a bit like science fiction, but it isn’t. We can’t be sure about all the ways in which AI will impact our lives but what we do know is that it will continue to evolve.

Modern technological innovations in air travel are slowly coming to India and we at AirWhizz are continuously trying to implement it and bring it to you as a passenger. From real-time flight updates to providing information about airports and airlines, we help you plan your air travel all the way.

Download the AirWhizz App NOW and Fly Stress-Free!

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10 Air Travel Myths That Aren’t True!

AirWhizzAug 24, 2018 No Comments

10 Air Travel Myths That Aren’t True!

Aviation Insider

At some point in your life you must have heard stories about flying that make you go “ What? Really? Are you Sure?”!

Some of them are actually true like “There is no “Number 13” row on an airplane”. But most of the myths floating around are just rumours and aren’t actually true.

In fact, some myths are so scary that people don’t want to get on an airplane because of them, but we all know how safe air travel is.

Well, to bust those rumours and make you aware flyers, here are 10 popular air travel myths that are definitely not true.

1. Flying Is The Most Expensive Mode Of Travel

Well, let’s get this myth out of the way!

Of course in absolute terms it is expensive. A round trip from India to any European country can cost you almost 1/4th of your month’s salary.

But when it comes to traveling, that is going from point A to point B, it’s actually pretty cheap.

According to a study conducted by the American Automobile Association, the average cost to drive per 1 km is around 60 cents (Rs 38.52), while flying sets us back only 10 to 15 cents (Rs 7.92) per km.

Let’s look at it from another perspective. If you go on a road trip from Mumbai To Bangalore(960Km) it will cost you around Rs 5500( Including Fuel and Toll cost). But a flight ticket on the same route will cost you less than Rs 2000 on a low-cost airline.

2. Airplane Doors Can Be Opened Mid-Flight

Don’t worry! if someone tries to open the cabin door while you’re cruising along at 35,000 feet, the door will stay shut.

The cabin doors can only be opened if the pressure on the inside and outside of the aircraft are virtually the same.

The air pressure at high altitude is dangerously low, which is why the cabin pressure is increased artificially inside.

3. Thunderstorms Increase The Risk Of An Airplane Crash

According to aviation experts, an aircraft is hit by lighting at least once a year.

But don’t worry! it will not burn and char your airplane. Airplanes are built to absorb over eight times the energy carried by a bolt of lightning.

The tiny pin-like devices you must have seen on the wings of your airplane, absorbs the electric energy and does not let it affect the passengers or the aircraft electronics.

Also, aircraft manufacturers build airplanes in such a way that they don’t tear apart in rough weather. The wings and the main body of an aircraft can withstand extreme wind pressure when flying.

4.Clearing A Computer’s Browsing History Will Yield Lower Fares

There’s a long-standing rumour that airlines and travel agents increase flight prices when you repeat a search.

Well, it’s not true!

The idea behind the hack is that when you’re searching for flights, airlines and travel sites take note of your movements and jack up the prices when you come back.

In fact, some travellers have claimed that the prices had increased when they came back to look at airfares for the second time on a website. However, most frequent flyers and travel experts have said that you will find similar flight prices whether your browser is cleared of cookies or not.

A famous travel search engine ‘Skyscanner’ conducted a study and found there is no such evidence of this. The study showed that it isn’t possible for a ‘cookie’ to influence prices because you’re anonymous according to the website till the time you don’t book a ticket.

5. Airlines Aren’t Affected If Their Airplane Crashes

Some passengers may think that airline companies are less bothered by safety and more so by profits.

In case you didn’t know, airlines have been investing heavily in research and development of new technologies that can make flying safer for us.

Plus, the airplane that you are flying in is worth around £100,000,000 and the compensation that an airline company would need to pay out would also cost millions.

6. Duty-Free Is Always Cheaper

The stuff they sell in duty-free, whether it be champagne, chocolate or cosmetics, can seem incredibly tempting.

However, it doesn’t always mean that you’ll get a good deal at the shop. Duty-free just means taxes won’t be collected. It doesn’t mean that prices are necessarily lower.

In certain countries, duty-free may represent excellent value for money, but in most, you’ll be shelling out more than the steepest retail prices in your hometown.

7. Flight Attendants Are On The Airplane To Serve You

Yes, they do push carts down the aisle to serve you drinks but consider that a bonus. Their real work is making sure passengers are safe and secure.

They go through years of training at the academy to handle emergency situations and make sure that you’re unharmed during a mid-flight crisis.

This means a crew member’s word is law on an airplane, and if one of them tells you to do something, you are obligated to obey.

8.If The Engine Fails The Airplane Will Immediately Drop

The thought of an engine failure causing the airplane to plummet can be a huge worry for any flier. But, In actuality, a plane can still manage to land without one.

An airplane is simply a big glider and they can be flown and landed without an engine. Plus pilots go through rigorous training to land this big glider.

Famous Hollywood movie “Sully” is based on a real-life event, where the captain glided the airplane across the Huston River when all four of its engines failed.

9. You Automatically Get A Jet-Lag When You Fly Internationally

Jet lag isn’t necessarily caused by a lack of sleep, but rather sleeping at the wrong time.

The best practice is to align your eating and sleeping as close as possible to the appropriate times for those activities in the local time of your destination.

This will help you avoid that dazed, drowsy feeling after a flight.

10. Flights Wait For People Who Check-In Late

Airlines have a very complex flight schedule which they have to stick to. Plus they have to incur huge losses when a flight is delayed.

They do consider people checking in late when they are scheduling a flight.

So unless there is a major issue and if you check in late, you’re at the mercy of the airline.

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10 Things That Are Restricted On Airplanes In India!

AirWhizzAug 20, 2018 No Comments

10 Things That Are Restricted On Airplanes In India!

Travel Like a Pro

Planning to go on a vacation to your dream destination?

Well, You definitely don’t want to start off your trip by being pulled out by the security personnel at the airport because of that ‘Restricted Item’ you forgot to remove from your bag.

Often with the excitement of beginning a new travel journey, we forget to check the things that might cause hindrance in our travel plans.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

To help you pack efficiently for your next trip, here’s a list of items that most international or domestic airlines in India don’t allow you to carry or have certain restrictions on them.

1.Tools

Mechanical tools such as saws, hammers, drills, wrenches, pliers etc are not allowed in hand baggage.

This is because they can be used to physically harm/threaten people or destroy airline/airport property. Make sure that your bag doesn’t even have a tiny screwdriver before you leave.

However, you can pack them in your checked-in luggage and has to be wrapped properly.

2.Scissors

The extent of why scissors are despised by airlines can be proven by the fact that it comes on two types of lists of prohibited items – once under sharp objects and again under personal items.

Scissors of any kind aren’t allowed in flights, whether it’s a grooming scissor or a normal one.

3.Lighters

Lighters are banned from flights for obvious reasons!

They can cause fire because of their combustible nature, so you must not carry them with yourself.

Another important thing to note here is that even matchsticks aren’t allowed on flights.

4.Toy Weapons

Kids love toys and we often pack it to keep them busy on flights, but if those toys are replicas of weapons, airport authorities will ask you to get rid of it.

Make sure you don’t pack such toys in your or your kid’s bag. They aren’t allowed in check-in luggage as well as hand-baggage.

5.Knives

Knives, just as mechanical tools, can be used as an arm to hurt people.

Whether it’s a small knife or a big one, you can’t carry one in your check-in or hand luggage.

However, there’s an exception that allows you to carry a butter knife which has round edges and not sharp ones. But you will definitely be asked to open your bag even if you have a butter knife, so avoid carrying one.

6.Weapons

Of course, guns are a big ‘No-No’, but here we are referring to Martial arts and Self-defence items.

Things such as Brass Knuckles, Nunchuks, Mace/Pepper Spray, Stun Guns/Shocking Devices or Throwing Stars aren’t allowed on the flight.

You can pack them in your check-in bag, however, you can be asked to step aside at the security queue while your bag is checked physically.

7.Power Banks

Power banks aren’t allowed in the check-in luggage because they contain lithium cells and they have a tendency to combust.

However, you can carry around a power bank in your hand or even put it in your hand-baggage.

8.Radioactive Material

Corrosive items like acids, alkalis, mercury, batteries, oven or drain cleaners are not allowed on airplanes.

The carriage of pencil battery cells is now allowed only if its attached to the device you’re carrying. But loose cells can only be carried in carry-on bags and not in checked-in luggage.

9.Magnets

We all see magnets every day and they seem harmless, but for an airplane, they can be catastrophic.

An aircraft has a standby compass in the cockpit which is a normal magnetic compass. This compass must be fitted and must be working in case of extreme instrument failure.

Magnetic goods in the cargo can interfere with this compass and for precautionary reasons, they don’t allow them in your bag.

It can also interfere with the sensors fitted on aircraft and can cause electrical noise.

A few examples are briefcases attached with alarm sensors or toys with magnets inside them.

10.Spray Paints

The paint inside the can is combustible and spray paints cannot be carried in either hand baggage or check-in luggage.

In fact, any kind of paint cannot be carried because they come under the ‘Flammable Liquids’ category.

If you want to know more about different airline policies, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get all the information about you airline and airport, along with real-time weather and flight updates on the move.

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