Flights Mishap Averted at Cochin Airport

A major flights accident was averted at Cochin airport when the Gulf Air flights from Bahrain landed outside the Kochi airport Runway. The Gulf Air plane (GF 270), Airbus 320 make, was to land at around 3.50 am when it skidded off the runway and went to a nearby muddy area. According to the Aircraft Pilot, the mishap occurred due to Poor visibility and heavy rain. Due to heavy rain and sand, which made it impossible to turn the aircraft on either side of the runway? Even before the accident the runways was declared close due to poor conditions and as many as 12 international flights were diverted to other airports, and it was emergency landing by the gulf air plane.

Many Etihad, Emirates and Gulf air international Flights to Kochi were cancelled or rescheduled and the disaster management process was also in question as the passengers were left to fend for themselves. On the contrary the airport officials tried to shift the blame on the Airlines themselves by declaring that it is the responsibility of the airlines to arrange the food and lodging of the Passengers. As per the latest news the damaged aircraft has been removed from the site so that the runway is usable again.

Find the Related Video Here : Kochi Gulf Air Mishap Averted

Indigo to Launch International Low Cost Flights

Indigo Airlines

The Gurgaon based Indian domestic carrier Indigo will be launching its first International flights on Dubai Delhi routes from First of September, 2011.
Indigo has been in an expanding mode and recently it entered into aircraft buying deals with Airbus for 180 Aircraft, some of which are meant for international flight routes as well.

The low cost flights as present constitutes only 5% of the total international flights and it is widely perceived by the airlines experts that the sector has much scope for growth given low international demand for air travel and losses of many larger airlines. As regarding India, from where the Indigo belongs, there have been strong growth in domestic air travel and Indigo has emerged as  one of the largest domestic carrier. Many Middle East cities such as Dubai and Sharjah are sought after routes mainly by the Indian residents and it do make good sense to launch low cost short distance flights on these routes. Further cities in South East Asia such as Bangkok also are sought after mainly by the outbound air travelers in India.

Indigo will fly aircraft with 180 seats the seat as it uses in the domestic flights, with a no frill model which means no in-flight entertainment,  Food or beverages. Though the competition from other entrenched players cannot be underestimated. Emirates, Tiger Airways, Air Arabia, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia and even Air India have operations on these routes and they may further decrease the tickets prices. The incentive for International flights, as per the sector analyst is not father to locate. Air fuel taxes for domestic flights are around 30 % while for the international flights it is just 4%. So the same no frills aircraft if used for short distance international flights, will save fuel cost and may actually lead to more profits.