Dubai Flight Cap Strains Indian Airlines
Dubai’s decision to cap foreign airlines to just one daily flight until May 31 is putting significant financial pressure on Indian carriers, which operate the highest number of routes to the emirate. The restriction, introduced amid the Iran crisis, affects both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, limiting capacity and disrupting planned schedules during a peak travel period.
Indian airlines, represented by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), have urged the government to intervene and request easing of the curbs. They argue the restrictions unfairly impact foreign carriers while exempting Dubai-based airlines, potentially leading to major revenue losses. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet had collectively scheduled hundreds of flights during April and May, now facing reduced utilisation and operational setbacks.
The situation is further compounded by rising fuel costs and longer routes due to restricted access to Pakistani airspace. Meanwhile, several global carriers, including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways, have suspended Dubai operations until at least May 31, underscoring the wider disruption in international aviation.
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