I thankful the situation in Mumbai is finally under control. I am sadder and angrier compared to 60 hours ago. I salute all the heroes of Mumbai, both in, and out of uniform. I stand in full support of the strong and defiant spirit of the people of Mumbai, who have promised to rebuild all that was damaged or destroyed, and took the Sensex up 66 points while the terror attack was still in progress, and sincerely hope that the leaders of India finally wake-up and back strong anti-terror laws with committed action on the ground.

Helplines :

• Taj Hotel (Mumbai, India): +91-22-66574322, 66574372, 1-800 111 825 (within India);
• Oberoi and Trident Hotels (call centre in New Delhi, India): +91-11-23890606;
• Ministry of External Affairs control room (New Delhi, India): +91-11-23015300, 23012113, 23013537. Fax number (New Delhi, India): +91-11-23018158.

I am compiling a list of useful links that may be of assistance to readers.

NDTV List of injured
NDTV List of deceased
NDTV List of persons rescued from Oberoi/Trident hotel
In case you are searching for some loved one use this form
CNN-IBN TV complete coverage
The Mint newspaper complete coverage
NDTV complete coverage
Times of India list of emergency helplines at Mumbai

They are India's Men in Black, the "Black Cats", nicknamed after their black nomex coveralls, and balaclavas. They may not have the toys of Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones, but with their specialised equipment and training, they far more deadly.

They're frequently seen guarding the high and the mighty of the land, forming a protecting ring around them with their stern demeanour and mean-looking H&K MP5 sub-machine guns held across their chests.

Not many may know the commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG), but mention the word Black Cats, to any Indian, and there is instant recognition. The NSG are among world's finest counter-terrorism units, with its cadres trained to handle a variety of tasks.

Along with their comrades, the MARCOS (Marine Commando Force of the Indian Navy), the Black Cats earned the gratitude of many nations of the world through out the last 60 hours, successfully tackling the armed terrorists, who rained terror in Mumbai.

Wresting the buildings back from the militants, one room at a time, rappelling down ropes from military helicopters and blasting their way into the structures, gunning down 14 terrorists and capturing one.

The NSG was established under the National Security Guard Act of 1986. The act was in response to the 1984 Operation Bluestar; the advance of Indian military to remove Sikh separatists who had seized control of the Golden Temple. The operation involved a significantly large number of military combatants; casualties, numbering in few hundreds, also involved civilians. The temple also suffered heavy damages. The operation highlighted the need for a force specialising in counter-terrorist operations with greater efficiency.

Given their striking appeal, all bureaucrats and politicians, started demanding NSG protection. A point was reached when "power status" was measured by the number of Black Cats in the person's bodyguards. The Black Cats found themselves being deployed more as personal bodyguards than their official purpose.

The final nail in the coffin came when Indira Gandhi's son Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister in 1984. His minders insisted on a specialised force for the prime minister alone - and thus was born the Special Protection Group (SPG).

Being out of the prime minister's ambit diminished the NSG's sheen somewhat - but along with that came the silver lining: it could now focus on the specialised tasks for which it was originally created.

Today, the primary role of the NSG is to combat terrorism in situations that the police or other central paramilitary forces cannot cope with. It also has an expert wing to handle anti-hijack operations, rescue operations and provide support to the central paramilitary forces.

Modelled on the lines of Britain's SAS (Special Air Squadron) and Germany's GSG-9, the NSG has two complementary elements: the Special Action Group (SAG) and the Special Ranger Group (SRG).

The SAG, which comprises 54% of the force, is its elite offensive wing, with its cadres drawn only from the Indian Army.

The SRG draws its cadres on deputation from central police and paramilitary organizations like the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

To maintain a young profile of the force, its troops are rotated and sent back to their parent organisations after serving in the NSG for three to five years.

The cadres of the NSG are intensely proud and determined; bound by a strict code of duty and honour, in many ways reminiscent of the Samurai and their code of Bushido. I remember a story my father recounted to me, which demonstrates this pride and determination.

He had the priviledge of sharing the dais with General S. K. Sunderjee during a Rotary convention. Gen. Sunderjee was Vice-Chief of Army Staff, to General A.S. Vaidya, during Operation Blue Star. For their roles, Gen. Vaidya was assassinated, and Gen. Sunderjee was under the highest level of protection against the death threats.

During the function, the electricity failed, and the 1,000 person hall, was plunged in to darkness. The standy-by generator restored power and lights in less than 10 seconds, but by then, Gen. Sunderjee was completely surrounded by his protective NSG ring. Later, my father had a chance to speak to the commanding officer of the NSG protective detail, and complimented him on the swift and silent action. The officer replied "They [the terrorists] have already taken one [Gen. Vaidya]; if we let them take him [Gen. Sunderjee], we will not be able show our face anywhere. We will not even be able drown ourselves in atonement."

Aspiring commandos undergo 90 days of gruelling training at Manesar, around 50 km from the capital New Delhi. Only those who successfully complete the entire course are inducted into the NSG for further specialized training.

The NSG also provides sky marshals for airlines, security to high risk individuals, anti-sabotage checks at venues of VVIP visits, training of state and central police forces in anti-terrorism measures and conducting investigations into IED blasts.

Among the successful operations undertaken by the NSG in the past are:

• May 12, 1988 — assault on the Golden Temple during Operation Black Thunder II
• April 25, 1994 — rescue of hijacked plane Indian Airlines Boeing 737 during Operation Ashwamedh
• October, 1998 — major combat missions in Jammu and Kashmir
• July 15, 1999 — rescue of 12 hostages held by armed Islamic terrorists who had stormed an apartment complex in Kashmir and killed 4 people
• September 25, 2002 — Operation Vajra Shakti to free hostages held by Islamic terrorists who had killed 26 worshippers at the Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. They suffered their first combat death in this operation. Another commando, who was seriously injured and was in a coma, died after 18 months.
• November 2008 — Mumbai terror attacks. Operation Black Tornado, Operation Cyclone to flush out terrorists & rescue hostages after multiple attacks across Mumbai, India. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Havaldar Gajender Singh of Special Action Group(of NSG) laid down their life and attained martyrdom while fighting the terrorists from Pakistan

Please join me in saluting Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Havaldar Gajendra Singh, both of the 51 Special Action Group of the NSG and more of their colleagues who have perished to protect Mumbai, their names as yet unknown; post a comment.


Images courtesy : IBNLive, Yahoo, AP, AFP, Reuters, NDTV

The troubles of Australian carrier Qantas just don't seem to end.

Qantas A330-300. Image Courtesy Qantas
Earlier today, the captain of a Qantas Airbus A330-300 flying to Singapore, had to shut down an engine and turn back to Perth, after an oil warning light flashed, according to the airline. The plane flew back to Perth, on the west coast of Australia, on one engine after the mid-air drama. The flight's 168 passengers were rescheduled on a replacement flight that took off nearly five hours late.

This incident is just the latest in a series of problems that have plagued Australia's national airline in recent months.

Last week two Qantas 747 jumbos were damaged when they collided on the ground at a maintenance base.

File photo of Qantas A330-300 at Singapore Changi Airport

In October, a computer glitch caused a Qantas plane to do a mid-air dive, injuring more than 70 people.

In July, a Qantas Boeing 747-400 made an emergency landing in Manila after an exploding oxygen bottle punched a hole in the fuselage during a flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne.

"Initial inspections by engineers indicate that a fault with the engine starter motor could have led to the engine oil problem," Qantas spokesman David Cox told the Sydney Morning Herald.

With inputs from AFP

As Mumbai recovers from the dastardly terror attacks, all major airports across India, especially those in the western region, have been put on ultra high alert and extra vigil has been mounted.

Image Courtesy FT.com
Extra surveillance has been mounted, with additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and police personnel being deployed to keep an eye not just around the terminals, but around the airport perimeters as well.

Sniffer dogs were being deployed in some airports to assist the checking of baggage and plainclothes security are deployed. Officials added, that sky-marshals were boarding planes flying on specifically identified routes, on a regular basis.

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has been virtually locked down. The security commences at the main highway with vehicles being stopped and completely inspected, along with passengers and their documents, before being allowed to even enter, the airport premises.

Other major metro airports are also in a similar "enhanced inspection" mode.

Airlines, both domestic and international, are informing passengers to arrive at the airports at least one hour before the original check-in time for thorough inspection of their baggage and the vehicles in which they are coming.

Passengers have also been asked by the airlines to carry valid identification documents. I would advise carrying two pieces of identification, and please carry an OFFICIAL ID.

For flight information at Mumbai (Airport Code BOM) I recommend Flightstats

Status of various airlines

Domestic Airlines
Air India, Jet, JetLite, Kingfisher, IndiGo, SpiceJet, etc., are all mostly back to normal.

International Airlines
Almost all airlines schedules have returned back to normal today 28 November 2008. Some quotes from selected airlines' websites for your ready reference. However, I will advise you to please contact the airline for the latest information.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa will resume its flights to Mumbai today Friday, 28.11.2008 according to schedule.

Lufthansa passengers booked to and from Mumbai with a departure date until 01.12.2008 may change their booking to a different Lufthansa destination in India free of charge. Alternatively, the booking can be cancelled without additional costs.

Air France

Further to the situation in Mumbai, Air France has had to cancel the following flights on November 27th, 2008.
AF134 Paris CDG / Mumbai, departure initially planned at 10h30 Local time.
AF135 Mumbai / Paris CDG, departure initially planned at 02h40 Local time.

The flights on Friday November 28th will operate as usual. :
AF134 Paris CDG / Mumbai, departure initially planned at 10h30 Local time.
AF135 Mumbai / Paris CDG, departure initially planned at 02h40 Local time.

Then, AF135 on November 29th Mumbai / Paris CDG is postponed on November 30th at 00h55.( Flight number AF135A)

Emirates

Following the horrifying attacks in Mumbai in several locations across the city on 26th November 2008, Emirates' town, ticketing and finance offices, which are located in South Mumbai, will remain closed on 28th November.

Our contact centre (running on skeleton staff), airport office and cargo operations will function as normal.

Currently, our flights to and from Mumbai are operating as per schedule. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines flights to and from Mumbai are operating normally at this time.

The Singapore Airlines' town office in Mumbai is closed. Reservations inquires are being supported by our Reservations Centre in Delhi, and ticketing issues will be managed at the airport. Customers may contact the Reservations Centre in Delhi via: 91-11-23356683 or 91-11-23356684.

Customers booked on flights are advised to monitor for news about flights on the Singapore Airlines website.

Singapore Airlines will waive all cancellation and change fees for customers with tickets to and from Mumbai on Singapore Airlines flights as follows:

• Valid for tickets issued prior to 27 November 2008 for travel up to and including 7 December 2008, on a Singapore Airlines flight to Mumbai;
• Customers may change the routing of their journey, defer the date of travel or cancel, without penalty, until 7 February 2009 in the same class;
• Any change of date or routing will be charged at the new fare for that journey less the fare for the journey paid to Mumbai, with no amendment fee (eg, if travel is deferred to a higher season, the seasonal fare difference will still apply);
• The same conditions apply for KrisFlyer redemption tickets.

British Airways

British Airways flights continue to operate to Mumbai. Customers may make changes to their travel plans as outlined below.

Customers who have bookings made before midnight on Wednesday 26 November 2008, for travel up to and including midnight on Wednesday 3 December 2008 may:

Rebook in same class and cabin as the original ticket for a different date to Mumbai.

or

Rebook to an alternative destination in India in the same class and cabin as the original booking at no additional cost to the customer.

If the same booking class is not available, the next lowest class may be booked within the same cabin.Customers will not be offered a refund unless their fare rules allow.Customers currently in Mumbai affected by the situation are advised to contact 1-800 102 FLYBA (1-800 102 35922)

Nutplates are small anchoring devices generally attached to the inner skin surface to hold wire and cable bundles in place. These small devices are driving aircraft major, Boeing, nutty.

Boeing 737-900ER
During the recent 57-day long machinists' strike, which has already led to a 10-week delay on deliveries of all Boeing aircraft, and pushed back the 787 programme into 2009, Boeing and Wichita, Kansas based Spirit AeroSystems discovered that nutplates from an unidentified supplier had not been given an anti-corrosion coating of cadmium.

Boeing claims the problem is not "a safety of flight issue", but the non-conforming nutplates must be replaced to comply with certified corrosion protection requirements. Each Boeing 737 uses between 3,000 and 5,000 nutplates.

Boeing 777-200LR
The replacement process is elaborate and involves inspection and nutplate replacement on aircraft and sub-assemblies throughout the production lines at Spirit and Boeing. Aircraft already delivered will require corrosion inspections at intervals until an opportunity for replacement occurs.

Boeing had officially notified the FAA of the nonconforming nutplates on Oct. 31, 2008.

Boeing 760-400

Boeing has already acknowledged the issue "is delaying the ramp-up a little bit" on the 737, and has now acknowledged that the non-conforming 'nutplate' issue is also impacting the 747, 767 and 777 production lines, some of which incorporated faulty nutplates as far back as September 2007.

Boeing claims the number of affected nutplates on the 747 and 767 models is "in the hundreds", while the 777 has around 1,500 to 2,500 affected non conforming parts.

Images courtesy Boeing

An Air New Zealand Airbus A320 passenger plane, on a test flight, crashed off France's southern coast Thursday, killing all seven people onboard, authorities said.

The plane plunged into the Mediterranean at 4:46p.m. local, officials said. A witness told French radio he saw the Airbus dive and plunge into the sea. "It was flying straight, then it turned brutally towards the ground," the witness, a local policeman, told France Info radio. "I said to myself, it will never pull out and there was a big spray of water."

Five boats, two diving teams and a helicopter searched for survivors, but now the mission has become one of retrieval.

The cause was not immediately clear, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Fyfe told a news conference in Auckland. He said five New Zealanders and two Germans were aboard the aircraft, which had been leased to German carrier XL Airways and was being tested after a refit prior to its return to New Zealand next month.

The airframe manufacturer Airbus released the following statement

Airbus regrets to confirm that an A320 operated by XL Airways Germany and owned by Air New Zealand was involved in an accident this afternoon. The aircraft was operating a flight from Perpignan, France with seven passengers on board.

The aircraft involved in the accident was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 2500, delivered in July 2005. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 7000 flight hours in some 2800 flight cycles. It was powered by IAE V2500 engines. At this time no further factual information is available.

In line with ICAO Annex 13 international convention, Airbus will provide full technical assistance to the investigation authorities of France, who will be responsible for the investigation into the accident. A team of 5 specialists from Airbus is being dispatched to the site.

The A320 is a twin-engine single-aisle aircraft, seating 150 passengers in a standard two-class configuration. The first A320 entered service in March 1988. By the end of October 2008, 1,960 A320 aircraft were in service with 155 operators. To date, the entire A320 fleet has accumulated some 45 million flight hours in some 24 million flights.

The concerns and sympathy of the Airbus employees go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident.

For further information, please contact:
AIRBUS - MEDIA RELATIONS
Tel.: (33) 05.61.93.33.87 or 05.61.93.34.31 or 05.61.93.10.00

Singapore Airlines will suspend all its flights to and from Bangkok until further notice due to the security situation, and a lack of operational service staff, at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The suspension includes those flights scheduled between Tokyo Narita and Bangkok, in addition to flights between Bangkok and Singapore.

Customers booked on flights in the near future are advised to monitor for news about flights on the Singapore Airlines website. When a decision is made to resume flights, an announcement will be made.

At this time, given the situation at Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is not possible to say when flights will resume, but it is hoped the situation can return to normal soon so customers can resume their travel plans, or return home.

Singapore Airlines will waive all cancellation and change fees for customers with tickets to Bangkok on Singapore Airlines flights issued prior to 26 November, for travel up to and including 7 December, 2008 [see Editor’s Note following].

Customers whose flights are being disrupted should contact their travel agent, or if the booking was made directly with Singapore Airlines, contact any Singapore Airlines Reservations Service Centre (in Singapore, 6223 8888).

Singapore Airlines apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused by this disruption, however seeks the understanding of customers that the security situation in Bangkok would compromise the safety of operations.

Cancellation and Change Fees

• Cancellation and Change Fee Waiver
• Valid for tickets issued prior to 26 November 2008 for travel on a Singapore Airlines flight into Bangkok;
• Valid for travel up to and including 7 December 2008;
• Customers may change the routing of their journey, defer the date of travel or cancel, without penalty;
• Any change of date or routing will be charged at the new fare for that journey less the fare for the journey paid to Bangkok, with no amendment fee (eg, if travel is deferred to a higher season, the seasonal surcharge difference will still apply);
• The same conditions apply for KrisFlyer redemption tickets.

British Airways will resume flights to Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia from March 29, 2009.

The airline will fly five times each week from Heathrow Terminal 5 to both Jeddah and Riyadh. Flights to Riyadh will operate on a Boeing 777 and Jeddah flights will be on a smaller Boeing 767.

This is definitely unwelcome news to British Midlands (BMI) who has stepped in to fill the gap vacated by British Airways four years ago. Riyadh is under-connected to the rest of the world. London and North America are favourite destinations for many Saudis. Thanks to its extensive transatlantic links, and global network, British Airways will have a significant edge over BMI.

British Airways will also have something that BMI does not have - a first class; and in a status concious society like Saudi Arabia, that is a huge differentiator.

Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said: "Resuming these flights makes commercial sense. The oil market is increasingly important globally and inward investment into Saudi Arabia has risen considerably in the last couple of years.

"We can start these flights now because the aviation market between Britain and Saudi Arabia has recently been liberalised."

British Airways suspended services to Riyadh and Jeddah in March 2005 claiming "poor commercial performance on the route", but it is widely believed that security concerns were a major factor.

As per media reports, a group of about 20 airline crew members, have been evacuated from Mumbai's Oberoi hotel. Most of the rescued airline staff were in Lufthansa and Air France uniforms.

A bus immediately whisked the guests away from the hotel. One crew member in a Lufthansa uniform who wore a name tag identifying her as L. Laurence said things inside the hotel "were definitely not good." and "We're just very glad we're out."

About two dozen people had been evacuated from the hotel earlier Friday, after the elite NSG "Black Cats" commandos stormed the hotel to rescue guests and hostages from the clutches of Islamic militants.

About 125 people have lost their lives, and 327 injured till now.

Ratan Tata's words say it all

We cannot replace the lives that have been lost and we will never forget the terrifying events of last night, but we must stand together, shoulder to shoulder as citizens of India, and rebuild what has been destroyed. We must show that we cannot be disabled or destroyed, but that such heinous act will only make us stronger. It is important that we do not allow divisive forces to weaken us. We need to overcome these forces as one strong unified nation

Stay strong Mumbai!!!!!

All domestic airlines report that their operations at Mumbai are largely unaffected and most flights are on schedule. Airlines clubbed their flights to accommodate the expected drop in passengers. Some international airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, KLM had flight disruptions or cancellations, but operations are expected to normalise by Friday.

As expected, security is extremely tight. All passengers are advised to carry valid official photo identification. If possible carry two pieces of identification. Also, please give yourself extra time to complete the enhanced security checks.

Jet Airways and JetLite have also announced the waiver of cancellation and re-issue charges on their domestic and/or international services into and out of Mumbai, on Thursday, 27 November and Friday, 28 November, 2008 on account of the current situation.

Passengers may contact Jet on 39893333 or the toll free number 1800-22-55-22 for further information or visit www.jetairways.com

SpiceJet CEO, Sanjay Aggarwal's statement is similar to Jet's:

"SpiceJet flight operations are not impacted by the unfortunate incidents in Mumbai. We are offering all passengers who have missed their flights or chosen not to take them from Mumbai, to Mumbai or via Mumbai, a choice of either rescheduling their flights or total refund or creating a credit shell with us. No change fee will apply on any of these transactions. In view of the current situation, we have also beefed up security at all the stations across our network."

I was unable to find any information or have received any similar statement from Kingfisher, IndiGo or Air India, but I suspect they too will follow a similar line.

The Deccan Herald reports that the Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) consortium has filed a default notice about 10 days ago against the Union civil aviation ministry asking it to make good losses of Rs 23 crore. BIAL claims it had incurred the losses and indirectly held the ministry responsible for it — its complaint was the failure to clear the user development fee (UDF), to be charged by the operator on departing domestic passengers, resulted in the losses.

BIAL, which has been asking the ministry to approve the UDF for a couple of months now, wants the approval for Rs 675 UDF and civil aviation minister Praful Patel may go into this issue next week.

Official sources claim that it was not a loss which would affect the functioning of the airport. According to them, it was only supposed to bridge the revenue deficit which in any case can be carried forward to the next financial year.

It is unclear whether the notice is just a pressure tactic on the part of BIAL to push forward their long pending UDF request. For a few months, there have been persistent rumours that the cash flow at BIAL was precarious. I can infer from these developments that Siemens, the dominant private partner, has choked off funds to BIAL, leading to desperate times.

The ministry has directed the 105,300-square metre, Rs 2,500 crore RGIA to charge Rs 375 from outgoing domestic passengers from August. The 71,000-sq m Rs 2,470 crore BIA has sought permission for Rs 675 UDF.

The civil aviation ministry had appointed a consultant to look into to the UDF request and verify BIAL's capital expenditure claims. Under pressure from various quarters ,the ministry wanted to know whether a smaller airport with lesser facilities can cost as much as a bigger airport with better facilities and in this case, it was BIAL vis-à-vis the bigger GMR promoted Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).

The ministry was to take a call on the UDF issue some time after the BIAL filed the audit report on the project cost in August-September. As per Deccan Herald sources, the consultant has submitted the report on financial verification and this should enable the ministry to finalise the UDF soon.

Anti-government protests, in Thailand, which have been building for four months now, and have paralyzed the government, battered the stock market, spooked foreign investors, and dealt a serious blow to the tourism industry, sent Thailand in to a bigger tailspin.

Thai authorities have shut down the Don Muang airport, which had been receiving some diverted flights from Suvarnabhumi airport. Till two years ago, prior to the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi airport, Don Muang was the primary airport of Bangkok.

The shut down of both airports in Bangkok, effectively shuts down over 90% of Thailand's airport capacity.

Thailand's powerful army commander, who has remained neutral in the conflict, stepped into the fray Wednesday, urging Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down.

He also asked thousands of protesters to end their siege of the main international Suvarnabhumi airport, which protesters have forced shut since Tuesday night, leaving hundreds of flights canceled, and left Thailand into a dysfunctional nation.

Serirat Prasutanont, chief of Thailand Airport Authority, said authorities feared that protesters who stormed the Don Muang terminal building late Wednesday might harm passengers and aircraft, and the shut down was pragmatic.

The U Ta Pao air force base, 140 kilometers (90 miles) southeast of Bangkok, is now the closest airport to Bangkok. Phuket in the extreme south, and Chiang Mai in the extreme north, of Thailand are now the only two international airports still functional in Thailand.

At the same time, Mumbai is still in the grip of an on-going terrorist attack. While the Mumbai airport is unharmed and fully secure, the Thai experience should resonate in the minds of Indian aviation authorities. All Indian cities have only one airport. The protests in Thailand is just the latest reminder of fragility of putting all of our eggs in one basket - something already experienced by India and the United Kingdom before.

In parting, I love the defiant statement of the Taj Hotels group as on their website

We will rebuild every inch that has been damaged in this attack and bring back the Taj to its full glory.

Kudos to you Taj.

I like Blogger for its simplicity, but also wish for more features at Blogger. I stumbled upon a help page where you can inform the folks at Blogger on what features you would like added - a wish list of sorts.

As the page puts it

If we don't offer it yet, let us know about it. We're constantly working to improve Blogger, and we appreciate any input. While we don't reply to individual suggestions, we do review them all and will keep them in mind for future development.

The radio button only allow submission of one suggestion at a time. So if you want to vote for multiple items, simply go back in the browser and vote again.

The wish list suggestions page

India's top three airlines have withdrawn a transaction fee on air tickets effective today for tickets sold through their call centres, websites or offices.

Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines have withdrawn the fee, which ranges from 350 rupees on a domestic economy ticket to 1,200 to 10,000 rupees on first class international tickets.

Earlier this month, airlines had withdrawn the five per cent sales commission, built in to the ticket prices, they used to pay travel agents, and urged the agents to charge "transaction fees" to the customer and make up their income. To ensure parity between prices of tickets bought directly from the airlines and those from travel agents, airlines also levied the "transaction fee", a move, extremely unpopular with the passengers.

As fuel prices have been falling, there is pressure building on the airlines to reduce fares, with Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel calling on airlines to play their part in reviving air travel. This move, while welcome, is sure to have the travel agent community up in arms.

Read additional related articles on this subject.

The Mint reports that Delhi International Airport Pvt. Ltd (DIAL), the operator running New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has sought relaxations on taxes from the Union government and permission to levy a new airport development fee (also called User Development Fee or UDF) on passengers that will together amount to a potential benefit of around Rs. 2,000 crore.

If the request receives government approval, it will help the GMR Infrastructure Ltd., led consortium to meet a gap it is facing in its capital expenditure plans for the airport.

DIAL is readying the Delhi airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 8,890 crore ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2010 with the construction of a new passenger terminal, a new runway and hotels at the airport site, complemented by a metro rail link connecting the airport with Connaught Place, a central business district in the Capital, to be developed by Delhi Metro Railways Corp. Ltd (DMRC).

According to an estimate in 2006, when the airport was privatized, the development of the Delhi airport was to cost Rs7,961 crore. This however, has increased now by around Rs1,000 crore or nearly equal to the cost of creating three new airports such as the ones commissioned at Bangalore and Hyderabad this year.

DIAL also wants the government to pitch in funds for construction of the metro link to the airport, according to a senior government official familiar with the process, who did not want to be named.

It wants to levy Rs300 as a so-called airport development fee on each outbound domestic passenger from the Capital besides Rs1,000 each on those flying international routes for a period starting January 2009 until December 2011. Such a passenger fee alone will likely result in revenues of over Rs1,400 crore for the operator.

DIAL, which had earlier agreed to pay partly for the metro link from the city as long as the payment was taken as part of the capital expenditure of the airport project, now wants the government to pay Rs350 crore to DMRC for constructing the 22.7km link. DMRC earlier this year had awarded the contract to Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group’s Reliance Energy Ltd that had bid for the project in collaboration with Spain’s CAF to construct the link.

Among other waivers requested by DIAL are a Rs100 crore in value added tax or VAT exemption and Rs200 crore in customs duty exemption taking the total to Rs2,050 crore.

The government official quoted earlier said the airport operator also wants changes in the land use norms at the 5,000-acre airport site but did not specify details.

A civil aviation ministry official, who too declined to be identified, said the ministry cannot allow for measures that conflict with those in the operations management and development agreement signed between DIAL and state-run Airports Authority of India, or AAI.

“We cannot allow anything that affects the bidding parameters,” this official said. “Within the agreement, we can look into what can be done.”

The impact of slowdown in air passenger traffic is showing up at airports in India as well—nearly 1,200 weekly flights have been cut from March bringing the number down to 10,922 in November, the aviation ministry said recently.

“New airports and airport modernization (has been) severely affected,” the ministry said in its presentation, a copy of which was reviewed by Mint, to the cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar earlier this month adding that there was a “30% shortfall against projected passenger traffic at Delhi and 32% in Mumbai airports.”

An analyst said the government should look for broader solutions. “There are two things to it—the airlines are seeing a downturn and are primary sufferers, while all airports are also looking at a downturn and are secondary sufferers,” said Robey Lal, former country head of industry grouping International Air Transport Association (IATA) in India and an ex-AAI board member.

In such circumstances, Lal suggested the government increase an existing passenger service fee of Rs. 225 on each ticket countrywide, which is used to fund security as also development of airports. This way, he argued, all airports in the country would benefit and not just DIAL or another private operator. About Rs. 130 from this Rs. 225 fee is used to pay for security, Rs. 25 is service tax, and the rest is used for operations and development of airports by the airport operator.

Rampaging anti-government protesters forced the closure of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand's main international airport, Tuesday.

Photo:Wason Wanichakorn / Associated Press
Thousands of supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in a bid to pressure the current government to resign, breached police lines and stormed the airport, as a second day of demonstrations in Bangkok descended into violence with 11 injured in clashes

Airport director Saereerat Prasutanont claimed to have no option but to close down the airport, as the protesters broke the door on the fourth floor of the terminal and stormed into the departure lounge.

Tourism a major industry in Thailand has been badly disrupted. Along with thousands of tourists stranded, flights of most airlines were either diverted to alternate airports, or canceled.

Reuters reports, Bangkok's shiny new airport resembled the aftermath of an all-night rock concert as thousands of confused people wandered aimlessly in search of food and help while others, wrapped in beach towels, slept where they could.

With the $4 billion terminal besieged by anti-government protesters, forcing the cancellation of all flights on Wednesday, foreign tourists had little option but to bed down on benches, behind check-in desks, even on luggage carousels.

PTI reports, four flights of Indian carriers to Bangkok were diverted today. Two Air India flights to Bangkok, one from Delhi (IC-853) and another from Mumbai (IC-693), were diverted and landed at Utapao airport, about 90 nautical miles off Bangkok. An Air India spokesperson said the passengers were then transferred by road to Bangkok.

Photo:Sakchai Lalit / Associated Press
Jet Airways flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Bangkok, 9W-064 and 9W-062, were, diverted back to Kolkata, from where they returned to their originating points of Delhi and Mumbai, an airline spokesperson said.

Outbound flights at the Bangkok airport were also affected since last night as hundreds of demonstrators -- some masked and armed with metal rods -- broke through police lines and spilled into the passenger terminal, reports said.

Using trucks and cars, anti-government demonstrators cut off highway access to the airport, the transportation hub for millions of tourists who visit the country each year, the reports added.

Jonathan Head of the BBC reports that the protesters, while well behaved, appear well planned and well organised. They have taken over the airport's control tower as well.

Videos show the level of mayhem on the streets and the airport, which was inaugurated less than two years ago.

Effective November 27, 2008, Jet Airways, will reintroduce services on the Mumbai-Coimbatore sector, with a daily Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Flight 9W 413 will depart Mumbai at 1235 hrs and arrive Coimbatore at 1420 hrs. On the return, flight 9W 414 will depart Coimbatore at 1500 hrs and arrive Mumbai at 1645 hrs.

Thai Airways International has revised its checked baggage policy for flights to and from USA and Canada.

Effective 1 December 2008, the free baggage allowance for passengers traveling with Thai will be as follows:

Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class passengers receive a free baggage allowance of two pieces. The weight of each piece should not exceed 32 kgs (70 lbs) and linear measurement (length+width+height) should not exceed 158 cms (62 inches).

Passengers traveling in economy class are given a free baggage allowance of two pieces. The weight of each item should not exceed 23 kgs (50 lbs) and linear measurement of each piece not more than 158 linear cms (62 inches).

The charge for extra baggage exceeding the above allowance will be charged at US$119 per piece effective from 1 January 2009.

Royal Orchid Plus Gold Card members will enjoy the privilege of one extra baggage on top of the regular allowance in any class of travel.

Paramount Airways extended its services to Western India, by launching daily flights from Chennai to Pune. Paramount already serves Ahmedabad and Goa from Chennai.

Commenting on the Pune launch Mr Thiagarajan, MD, Paramount Airways said, “As part of our expansion strategy we have launched the Chennai - Pune sector today. This we believe will help our foray into the western region and we hope to replicate the success that we have acheived in the Southern market. Being a premium airline, we are certain that Paramount would receive a huge franchise from these key market. This flight would be a convenient and comfortable option for Chennai flyers to Pune.”

The airline has also launched its frequent flyer programe “Paramount Royale”.

I was shocked by Jet Airways' sudden withdrawal of its recently launched Bangalore Brussels flight. Read related article.

It is a well known in the industry, that any international flight route, takes up to three years to stabilise. On the four flights a week, Jet is averaging about 150 passengers on the two weekend flights, and 60~70 passengers on the two weekday flights. Very respectable figures, especially considering, Jet commenced the flights only three weeks ago, and, is competing against global goliaths like British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates.

Yet, Jet Airways announced withdrawal of the Bangalore Brussels route within 3 weeks of commencement!!!!

Surely, Bangalore cannot be the reason, and we need to look elsewhere for indicators.

Historically, Bangalore, has never been on the strategic radar screen of Jet Airways for international flights, which owes its corporate loyalty to Mumbai and New Delhi. Even during the super high growth period of 2005-2008, Jet Airways chose to build its international routes from Hyderabad and Chennai, instead of Bangalore, a market begging for flights. Even today, while the poor international route performance of these stations is tolerated in the name of "corporate prestige and brand building", Bangalore appears to receive step-child treatment from the Jet corporate office.

Jet Airways is facing terrible cost reduction pressures. They do not have the deep pockets, required to establish and sustain an international route. The first station to get the axe is Bangalore.

In a bid to earn income from its excess fleet capacity, Jet Airways is leasing 6 of its 10 Boeing 777-300ERs to Turkish Airlines. The existing fleet of Airbus 330-200 will be used in replacement. There are not enough A330s to go around, so the A330 on BLR-BRU route is needed elsewhere.

Jet Airways flights from Mumbai to Newark via Brussels are facing low loads on the Brussels Newark sector. So downgrading the B777-300ER with a less fuel consuming A330-200 will lessen the losses. Again, Bangalore is the looser.

The recent alliance between Jet and Kingfisher could also be a reason. The Bangalore London Heathrow flight of Kingfisher is performing miserably; On average the flight is reported to carry only about 20~30 passengers daily. Jet could be withdrawing to leave the market to Kingfisher. However, this is a move that will not help Kingfisher. The Kingfisher flight timing slots along with their lack of alliances with any other airlines, do not allow for any onward connections; and there is just not enough traffic, between London and Bangalore. Also, as per a first hand report by my brother, an lifetime Executive Platinum on OneWorld, who flew Kingfisher recently, at my recommendation, the onboard service leaves much to be desired.

A better solution will be for Jet to lease the spare A330s of its partner, Kingfisher, lying parked at HAL airport, and continue to operate the Bangalore Brussels flight. It will help Jet establish its international operations from Bangalore, and give some revenue to Kingfisher also.

Having started the flight, I exhort Jet -- stick with Bangalore, and Bangaloreans will reward you in times to come. Credibility is a crucial corporate asset, very tough to obtain, and once lost, next to impossible to regain.

New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is gearing up for the oncoming winter season and possible disruption of flights due to fog and low visibility. In consultation with Airlines, and other bodies Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport operator, has drawn up a strategy to provide additional facilities to passengers during the fog season. These activities include:

City Side

• The temporary kerbside extension of Terminal 1B has been replaced with a permanent structure and provided with heating. Additional seating has also been provided, along with food and beverage kiosks. An extensive flight information display system is being provided in the extension area to regularly update the passengers. An additional seating area is also being provided for those seeing off their friends and family.
• A parallel wing now houses more space for check – in and baggage X-ray for passengers. This extension has been added to the Low Cost Carrier Wing of Terminal 1B and would benefit passengers traveling by Kingfisher Red, Spicejet, Indigo & Go Air.
• DIAL has also deployed specially trained Customer Service Staff to provide assistance & information to passengers. A park and ride parking service has also been provided to ensure additional car parking availability at IGI the airport.
• The domestic arrival terminal has also been renovated and expanded. A portion of the renovated area has already been opened along with a large canopy for friends and family. In addition separate exit routes have been provided for the benefit of passengers availing pre-paid taxis.

Passenger Terminals

• A brand new wing in the Security Hold Area of Terminal 1B has been recently commissioned. The new seating area has 150 seats which are sufficient to cater to the load of one complete flight. In addition, an extra bus gate is being commissioned to facilitate direct access from the extension area to the aircraft.
• Additional F&B outlets have opened across the passenger terminals. These outlets are operated by leading F&B brands such as Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee, Café Ritazza, Nirula’s and Flavours.
• An increased number of payphones and coin operated booths have been added at IGI Airport to help passengers stay in touch with their friends and relatives.

Airside

• With the recent inauguration of the new runway 11-29, IGIA is equipped with two parallel runways with Category IIIB Instrument Landing System. IGIA is the only airport in the India to feature CAT IIIB ILS which allows compatible aircraft and trained pilots to land even when the runway visibility is up to 50 meters.
• 55 parking bays at the domestic aircraft apron have been provided with CAT III compatible lighting systems. Additions carried out over the last year have provided additional number taxi routings to smoothen aircraft movement and prioritize the movement of CAT III enabled aircraft.
• A special leaflet is being distributed among airside drivers with tips on safe operations during low visibility conditions.
• To co-ordinate the operations during the fog period, a centralised Emergency Response & Interactive Centre (ERIC) will be set up. The Meteorological Department of India will also be providing latest fog updates to the ERIC.

Other Initiatives

• IGIA has augmented it’s helpline which will share the updated flight information and airlines’ contacts numbers.
• A link of the FIDS (Flight Information Display System) has been provided on DIAL website for real-time flight arrival and departure information, the benefit of passengers.
• Special booklets with information on fog and do’s and don’ts for passengers and airline numbers are also being circulated.

Please feel free to post your comments and experiences as a feedback to fellow passengers on the effectiveness of these new actions.