Air India’s ‘non-viable market’ remark on Jabalpur draws flak

 

 

 

A statement by Air India describing Jabalpur as a “non-viable market” has drawn sharp criticism from citizens, organisations and petitioners seeking better air connectivity for the city. The remarks came during a recent review meeting convened at Dumna Airport on the directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court to explore measures for improving flight operations between Jabalpur and major cities.

 

The meeting, chaired by Additional Solicitor General of India Sunil Jain, brought together representatives from airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the Madhya Pradesh government, petitioners and others. While IndiGo Airlines said it was unfair to expect one airline to shoulder the entire responsibility of providing connectivity,

 

Air India Airlines observation that Jabalpur lacked sufficient passenger demand to sustain operations triggered widespread disapproval. Member of Parliament Ashish Dubey, when contacted, said Jabalpur holds strong potential for airlines and can offer profitable operations. Despite higher airfares, people here prefer air travel. Two to three airlines are already operating regular flights to major Indian cities, he said. Dubey added that he has not yet seen the meeting minutes but assured, “If any airline has made such remarks,

 

I will take up the matter with the company’s senior authorities.” Petitioner Dr P G Najpande, who moved the High Court seeking better air services, called the statement “irresponsible and misleading.” He said that IndiGo’s flights from Jabalpur have recorded around 85 percent occupancy. “If one airline is achieving such numbers, how can another claim the market is unviable?”

 

he said, urging airlines to conduct demand surveys before dismissing the city’s potential. Backing similar sentiments, Himanshu Khare, Convenor, Vayu Seva Sangharsh Samiti termed Air India’s remarks “cheap and contradictory.” He said past occupancy data of Air India’s Jabalpur-Delhi flights often exceeded 85 percent. If the airline expects 100 percent load on every flight, that is unrealistic. Sitting in the same forum and portraying Jabalpur negatively is unacceptable, Khare said.

 

The Madhya Pradesh government, in its presentation, assured full cooperation for expanding connectivity. Officials underlined Jabalpur’s status as a key administrative, judicial, defense and educational hub-home to the High Court’s principal seat, West Central Railway headquarters, universities and research institutions and said frequent air travel is essential for its growing economy.

 

The DGCA also expressed readiness to approve new flight schedules or slots once proposals are received from airlines, reminding them of their responsibility to serve smaller and emerging destinations, not just high-traffic routes. Stakeholders highlighted that despite Rs. 412 crore invested to upgrade Dumna Airport to Brownfield status, passengers continue to face limited connectivity and high charges, similar to Greenfield airports. They stressed that more direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai and other metros would save time, attract industry, boost tourism and strengthen academic and healthcare links.