Austrian Airlines cancels flights to Mumbai from 1 March 2009

The bad news continues to roll in for Indian aviation.

Austrian Airlines announced that it will cease operating its service from Vienna to Mumbai (Bombay) from 1 March 2009 onwards.

All international airlines choose Mumbai, the economic capital of India, while ignoring less competitive cities like Bangalore. As a result there is drastic overcapacity between European airports and Mumbai. The weakening Indian demand and the consequences of the crisis in European financial markets only add to the loss of profitable operations in the medium term.

The measure also means that one more of the airline’s total of six Boeing 767 aircraft will no longer be deployed on long-haul routes. The question of how to use the aircraft freed up by the decision remains open at present.

Austrian has already cancelled services from London City Airport, Luxembourg and Riga, and Chicago, this year.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

Check Also

In new strategy Etihad invests in Darwin Airlines, re-brands it Etihad Regional

by Devesh Agarwal Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, today announced …

+OK