HC reserves decision on DIAL order to shift airlines to T2

DIAL said that T1 has already exceeded its capacity and it would lead to overcrowding of the airport

The Delhi High Court today reserved its verdict on low-cost carrier IndiGo's plea against the decision of Delhi airport operator DIAL to partially shift its operations along with that of two other airlines, SpiceJet and GoAir, from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.

"Judgement reserved," Justice A K Chawla said after hearing arguments on behalf of IndiGo, the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and the Centre.

In its plea, the airline has challenged DIAL's communication of October 21, asking the three air carriers to shift their flights to and from Delhi to Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, to Terminal 2 (T2) from January 4, 2018.

All other flights of the airlines shall continue to operate from Terminal 1 (T1), DIAL had said in its communication.

IndiGo has challenged the DIAL's decision on the ground that partial shifting of its operations would inconvenience passengers, especially those on hopping flights emanating or ending at those sectors, as T1 and T2 are not connected.

Defending its decision, DIAL said that T1 has already exceeded its capacity and if airline operations are not shifted partially, it would lead to overcrowding of the airport.

It also contended that in case of a fire or a terror threat, an overcrowded airport would have serious consequences for which DIAL alone would be answerable.

It also argued that the capacity of the three airlines' flights to and from the three sectors would amount to around eight million persons per annum (MPPA) and be shifting those to T2 would considerably reduce the burden on T1.

DIAL said its decision was not unreasonable as it had given the airlines enough time to arrive at a consensus.

IndiGo is opposed to the shifting of its operations, saying if the DIAL decision is allowed, the airline would be spread across the three airports -- T1, T2 and T3.

It has sought striking down of the decision claiming that it was "irrational and ad-hoc".

The central government has supported the decision taken by the DIAL and contended that IndiGo's plea was not maintainable.