Given lower traffic and escalating losses of airlines, it is no surprise that the profitability of India's major airports too has taken a big hit in recent times. Apparently, 82 of the 95 operational airports in the country incurred losses in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. Even among the 10 profitable international airports, profits have dipped by 19 per cent. Dilli and Mumbai are the most profitable, with the capital taking the top honours for the third year in succession. Dilli's top ranking may also be because it has edged past Mumbai as the country's busiest airport.

Nevertheless, profitability in the sector remains a worry given the huge new investments on the ground at Delhi's International Airport Ltd (DIAL) alone. The preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, for which at least 40,000 visitors are expected to fly in, may be behind schedule elsewhere but the Delhi airport is certainly racing to be on time! Now, it seems that there may not be enough hotel rooms for those who land comfortably. But more on that soon.

Australia tougher now
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has kept his promise made during his visit to Dilli. He had promised action on the racist attack issue prompted no doubt by the high-decibel public outcry in India and also perhaps the tough stance of the Indian government.

Among the first steps the Aussies have taken to curb the attacks is to crack down on unscrupulous 'vocational colleges' that promise permanent resident status to students in the country. The new policy stipulates that only institutes which are regularly inspected by the authorities can bring in foreign students.

Of course, some attribute Canberra's concern to the fact that the widely-reported attacks on Indian students have suddenly made Australia a less attractive destination for students from one of its biggest markets.