Air India Group Flight Routes: Seat Capacity Variance (Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 vs. May 2023 - May 2024)

This table presents the top 20 flight routes with the highest absolute variance in seat capacity for routes operated by the Air India group between India and various international destinations. The comparison spans from January 2022 to December 2023 and from May 2023 to May 2024. The columns provide detailed information for each route, including the rank based on absolute variance, destination, origin, departure and arrival countries, total seats available, and the absolute change in seats compared to the previous period.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each column and insights into the data:

1. Rank: The rank of the route based on the absolute variance in seat capacity.
2. Destination: The airport code of the destination airport.
3. Origin: The airport code of the origin airport.
4. Departure Country: The country of the origin airport.
5. Arrival Country: The country of the destination airport.
6. Seats: The number of seats available on the flight route.

7. Absolute Variance: The absolute change in the number of seats compared to a reference period (previous period or expected seats).

Example Rows Explanation

Row 1:

- Origin: BOM

- Destination: SFO

- Seats: 60,192

- Absolute Variance: 57,888

Explanation: The route from Mumbai (BOM) in India to San Francisco (SFO) in the USA experienced a significant increase in seat capacity by 57,888 seats, reaching a total of 60,192 seats available.

Patterns and Insights

- Significant Increases: The routes with the largest positive variances in seats are mainly between India and major international hubs such as Dubai (DXB), London Heathrow (LHR), and San Francisco (SFO). These increases suggest a rise in travel demand or enhanced airline capacity on these routes.

- Significant Decreases: Conversely, some routes show a drastic reduction in seat capacity. For example, the routes from Mumbai (BOM) to Dubai (DXB) and from Chennai (MAA) to Muscat (MCT) saw substantial decreases, possibly indicating reduced demand or strategic adjustments by airlines.

- Repetitive Routes: Some routes appear multiple times with slight variations in seat counts, possibly due to multiple airlines operating on the same route or multiple flights with varied frequencies.

Implications

- Market Demand: The data reflects changing market demands, with significant increases in seat availability on certain routes indicating higher passenger traffic or strategic expansions by airlines.

- Operational Adjustments: Airlines might be reallocating capacity to more profitable or high-demand routes while reducing or suspending services on less profitable routes.

- Travel Trends: These variances can provide insights into broader travel trends, such as increased travel between India and the UAE or the UK, and decreased travel on certain routes, possibly due to geopolitical, economic, or pandemic-related reasons.