South India to be India’s new aviation hub

By Vishwanath Pilla and Faye D'souza, CNBC-TV18

International airlines are flocking to India's new aviation hub –south India. Despite over-capacity in international skies and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price fluctuating over the last two months, international airlines are betting big on Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Two new airports in south India have meant more flights flying into the region. International airlines are making the most of the opportunity with 144 new flights taking-off from Bangalore every week. Not to be left behind, the Hyderabad Airport's international passenger load has surged 10%.

Dragonair, Tiger Airways, Oman Air, Air Mauritius and Kingfisher Airlines have begun operating new routes from the Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL); while Indian, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and Thai Airways have increased the frequency of their flights out of Bangalore. In all, 144 new flights have been added this winter which is 220% higher than last year.

Sudhir Sukumaran, Sales Manager, Emirates, said, "As far as the Bangalore Airport is concerned we have got great feedback. The passengers are happy with the services. Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL) has provided good assistance to make the shift and are glad that the new airport allows us these new flights."

Gulf Air and Air-India Express have introduced new routes to the city. Air Arabia and British Airways will launch flights in the next three months, and Emirates and Singapore Air also plan to increase frequencies.

A Vishwanath, Director Commercial Operations, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, said, "Because of our larger run way and better facilities we are able to offer more frequencies to the airlines."

Increasing competition has lead to a slugfest between international airlines. Some airlines have slashed fares by nearly 30% for flights from Bangalore to London, Singapore and Dubai. Experts say prices might drop even further this holiday season with Jet Airways and Kingfisher offering formidable competition.