Weekly News Debrief: 18-24 November ‘24

 NEWS HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

Spirit Airlines Files for Bankruptcy Protection:

  • Spirit Airlines was the 7th-largest passenger carrier in North America in 2023, as well as the largest Ultra-Low Cost carrier in NA.
  • It is widely renowned for being a No-Nonsense Ultra Low-Cost Carrier, charging extra for checked-in and carry-on bags. However, it has proved to be imperative, providing budget-friendly tickets and allowing those who previously couldn’t, to fly.
  • On the 18th of November, Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection after compiling losses every quarter as well as a failed attempt at a merger with JetBlue.
India Makes Aviation History:
  • On November 17, 2024, India made aviation history recording a whopping 5 lakh (500,000) passengers in a single day.
  • In total, 505412 passengers were transported over 3173 domestic flights.
  • This is a historic milestone in the rapidly developing Indian aviation industry.
Delhi Pollution Affects Aviation:
  • Due to intense toxic smog being experienced in Delhi, over 25 flights have been diverted and nearly 500 delayed at IGI, because of extremely low visibility.
  • Indira Gandhi International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world, and is essential for Indian travel and connection, both domestic and international.
Civil Aviation Minister Holds Meeting:
  • India’s Civil Aviation Minister, K.Rammohan Naidu, held a meeting on Wednesday, November 20, in order to discuss and resolve issues being faced due to fog at IGI.
  • He mentioned how all flights delayed by over 3 hours should be cancelled. 
  • He also instructed airlines to be fully staffed at checkin counters, keep pilots with ultra-low-visibility licenses ready, and to inform passengers regarding delays, as well as provide amenities after long delays.



SOURCES: Travel+Leisure, Wikipedia , The Hindustan Times

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