Airport slot coordination is a crucial process in the Indian aviation industry that manages the allocation of take-off and landing slots at congested airports. In India, this system is particularly important at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore where airport capacity is limited compared to the growing demand from domestic airlines.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) oversees slot coordination at most airports, while private airport operators handle coordination at their respective facilities. The process follows the guidelines established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Worldwide Slot Guidelines, which ensure fair and transparent allocation of slots to both domestic and international carriers operating in the Indian market.
Indian airlines including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and other carriers must apply for slots each season through the slot coordination process. The coordination considers historical slot usage, airline connectivity requirements, and overall airport efficiency. During peak travel seasons in India, such as festivals and holidays, slot coordination becomes even more critical to manage the increased air traffic demand across the country\“s aviation network. |