Delta's Mumbai switch - New York out, Atlanta in?

If governments give their okay, look for Delta Air Lines to switch its Mumbai (BOM) service from New York Kennedy (JFK) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL). The move would take place November 1.

Why the planned move? “The size and scope of Delta's operations at our Atlanta hub are best suited for the capacity of the 777-200LR (long-range) in terms of cargo and passenger lift,” says Glen Hauenstein, DL's executive vice president Network and Revenue Management.

An observation: other factors, just perhaps, could be the crowded air traffic environment in and around New York airspace, and the fact that there are currently a trio of carriers flying nonstop from New York area airports to Mumbai according to Official Airline Guide (OAG).

The move would leave the nonstop JFK - BOM route in the hands of Air India. Continental also flies to Mumbai (formerly Bombay, thus the 'BOM') code from Newark Liberty International (EWR). Delta's launch of 777-200LR service would mark the first Mumbai nonstops from Atlanta.

That nonstop would be a long haul indeed: 17-hours, 55-minutes westbound.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler

Comments

[Patel C]

What a move. Considering the number of Indians in and around New York compared to that in Atlanta, this is seriously going to affect the flight bookings adversely. Air India will definitely benefit from this move.

[Abhishek]

I am a gold medallion member with Delta. I am sorry to say that I have to switch to a different airline maybe Continental or Air India to fly to India because in no circumstance I am going to Atlanta and then to Bombay.

Why would I fly south and then to Bombay? Why would Delta do this? I don't care I am off the Delta team and hope they have a profitable Atlanta.

[Nima]

I am overjoyed by this move. This is a huge convenience for Indians living down south. And I am happy that I don't have to go to Mumbai via New York.

[Thomas, J]

Excellent move. I love it because I don't have to fly through NY. What a nightmare last time - flight delays back and forth. I live in FL and Vegas so it is nice to go from Atlanta to Bombay then to the South Indian city of Cochin. I am a Delta platinum medallion member and also wish Delta had a better partnership with Emirates so we fly Atlanta-Dubai and then direct to Cochin on Emirates. Just a thought.

[Art]

Great move. Atlanta's vibrant Indian business community will certainly embrace this change and the on time departure rate will skyrocket.

[rebekah]

This is wonderful. I live in Atlanta so this is absolutely perfect. Well done Delta!