Indian airline industry warns 'whole sector on verge of collapse' over jet fuel

The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) says the aviation industry in India is "on the verge of closing down".

The FIA has appealed for support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, claiming that jet fuel costs are placing severe pressure on the sector. The FIA, which represents major domestic carriers including IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India, said this pressure has pushed the airline sector close to collapse.

The FIA noted that, owing to the rise in the cost of jet fuel by Rs.73 (£0.60) per litre for both international and domestic services, operations have become "completely unviable". This cost increase has led to "significant losses for the aviation sector in April 2026", the FIA said.

It said: "The airline industry in India is under extreme stress and is on the verge of closing down or of stopping its operations. The dire condition of the Aviation Sector has been exacerbated by the West Asia War and the exorbitant increase in the price of ATF [Aviation Turbine Fuel]." The April 2026 pricing results "do not ensure parity between domestic and international operations", the airline organisation added.

The updated charges for aviation fuel come following the oil and gas supply emergency triggered by the US and Israel's conflict with Iran. The continuing hostilities have resulted in a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for approximately 20 per cent of the world's supply.

28/04/2026 Ethan Blackshaw/Emily Wright/Mirror

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Parth Pawar Flies In Plane Of Company Involved In Crash That Killed Father

Pune:NCP's Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, son of late Ajit Pawar, on Tuesday travelled from Mumbai to Pune in an aircraft belonging to VSR Aviation, even as some members of his family have been targeting the company as its plane was involved in the Baramati air crash that killed his father.

Parth was, however, quick to clarify that it was a purely administrative lapse to book an aircraft belonging to VSR, and said booking agent's contract was being terminated with immediate effect.

A Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures, crashed near the Baramati air strip in Pune district on January 28, killing Ajit Pawar and four others.

Parth, the elder son of Ajit Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar flew from the state capital to Pune to be a part of a family gathering at his grand uncle Sharad Pawar's residence.

Talking about flying in a VSR-operated aircraft, Parth said on X, "I had instructed my office to arrange an aircraft on an urgent basis as I needed to reach Modi Baug in Pune to meet Pawar Saheb. Due to last-minute arrangements, a VSR Aviation aircraft was inadvertently booked for me." "Until I reached the airport and boarded the aircraft, I had no knowledge that it belonged to VSR Aviation," he said.

29/04/2026 PTI/NDTV

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Rohit Pawar Alleges ‘Godman’ Link To Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

Mumbai: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar visited the CID office in Pune on Tuesday, making a sensational claim. He alleged that a Nashik-based “godman” Ashok Kharat is linked to the fatal plane crash of former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. He has demanded a formal FIR and a probe into “occult rituals” reportedly performed outside the late leader’s Baramati residence.

After visiting the CID office, Rohit Pawar alleged that the state government is not serious about the investigation. He claimed that he visited the CID office for the third time to know about the progress in the investigation, but no responsible officer was present in the office. “I came back with the photograph of an empty chair,” he said.

The NCP (SP) MLA also said that he does not believe black magic, but wants the investigators to probe the people behind the rituals carried out outside Ajit Pawar’s house. “We do not believe in black magic or quackery. However, prior to the accidental death of Ajit Pawar, 'Aghori' rituals were performed in the vicinity of his residence in Katewadi and near the Devagiri bungalow in Mumbai. What is the motive behind these acts? A thorough investigation into the Aghori puja case, as well as the Ashok Kharat case, is essential,” he said.

28/04/2026 Deccan Chronicle

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Drunk British Airways passenger told crew 'I want to fight you' before police escorted him off plane

Yogeshwar Sharma had a bottle of vodka and took two doses of prescription medication before he got on a flight to Delhi, India.

After being told he was too drunk to fly, he shouted "f*** off" at staff.

The 51-year-old later tried to spit at police officers and punched a paramedic at Heathrow Airport.

Sharma refused to leave the plane once police arrived.

He took out a lighter and started to vape after being told he was not allowed to smoke.

Uxbridge Magistrates' Court heard that Sharma was escorted off the plane when he tried to spit at officers and lunged towards paramedic Mick Hinde.

Mr Hinde said in a statement that he managed to dodge the worst of the blow so was not injured but that Sharma's fist hit his chin.

Sharma does not remember getting on the plane and was 'appalled' by his actions, the court heard.

Antonia Gray, defending, said: "The reality of the situation is he has absolutely no recollection of the incident.

28/04/2026 BirminghamLive

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Adani’s big plan to own Indian aviation: invest in everything but an airline

Adani’s big plan to own Indian aviation: invest in everything but an airline

Unlike other airports managed by the Adani Group—in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru—this one was built from scratch.

Spread over 2,800 acres, it’s the largest in Adani’s portfolio. It has an initial annual capacity of handling 20 million passengers. And it includes India’s largest planned general aviation facility, with over 67 parking bays and a separate heliport.

This is the blueprint for Adani’s aviation ambitions.

“When people think of aviation, they should think of Adani,” a senior executive at the Flight Simulation Technique Centre (FSTC) told The Ken. “That’s the scale of our ambition in this business.” Adani holds a controlling stake in FSTC, which runs India’s largest pilot-training simulation network.

But not everybody is thrilled about the castle Adani is building in the clouds.

One of them is Akasa Air. When the four-year-old airline wanted to begin operations from Navi Mumbai in 2025, it found it couldn’t use its preferred ground-service provider.

“We wanted it to be the same people from the Mumbai airport,” said an Akasa executive. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue. Airlines can choose from multiple ground-service providers at airports. But a single provider helps them reduce costs across airports.

29/04/2026  Nuha Bubere/The Ken

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Inside Willie Walsh’s High Stakes Gamble As IndiGo CEO

When Willie Walsh, former head of British Airways and current Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), takes over as the CEO of IndiGo Airlines on August 3, he will inherit all the big problems with the airline that Pieter Elbers leaves behind.

Walsh’s appointment announcement came days after the abrupt departure of Elbers, viewed by many in the aviation world as nothing short of a strategic shakeup. Walsh arrives when IndiGo commands 63% of the world’s third-largest aviation market and is grappling with an identity crisis. Under his predecessor, Elbers, the airline attempted to transition from a domestic budget airline to a global player. 

On this journey, it suffered a massive operational crisis in December 2025, which left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded, with the Indian government demanding explanations as India’s aviation industry was crippled. At stake is not only the stability of a carrier that has a near monopoly in Indian aviation — carrying six out of every ten Indian flyers — but also the viability of IndiGo's plans to expand its aircraft fleet to secure domestic leadership while fast-tracking international expansion. 

“Walsh brings extensive experience to the role, which would be instrumental in instilling confidence in the airline,” Ajay Kumar, Managing Partner at the law firm KLA Legal and a leading aviation lawyer, told The Core. “He will be expected to navigate the carrier through difficult times, particularly in the wake of rising ATF prices, coupled with the closure of airspace in the Gulf region and increased scrutiny by the authorities.”

To understand the gravity of the mission Walsh is accepting, one must look at the wreckage of December 2025. Elbers resigned on March 10, after his leadership came under scrutiny following IndiGo’s worst-ever operational crisis, during which the airline cancelled more than 2,500 flights and delayed nearly 1,850 flights over three days, affecting over 300,000 passengers. 

While the airline initially attributed the issue to seasonal factors, a high-level investigation by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) peeled back the veneer to reveal a total collapse of the human supply chain. The post-mortem was damning. It cited a systemic failure in "contingency planning" and a fatal breakdown in crew scheduling.

29/04/2026 Manish Pant/Core

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Why India has tightened rules for foreign airlines

India's Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently introduced stricter guidelines for foreign airlines operating to and from India. The regulator can now revoke or suspend the authorisation of overseas carriers for failure to meet required safety standards.

We take a look at the new rules:

What do foreign carriers have to do under the new rules?

Vir Vikram Yadav, the new DGCA chief, said foreign carriers can now nominate or appoint a representative to deal with these issues. They must also establish an effective passenger grievance redressal mechanism, set up a complaints database and also give reports to the DGCA.

Airlines will have to get unique login credentials by uploading authenticated documents. The regulator will verify the credentials and then ensure portal access.

Why have these new rules been introduced now?

These moves are part of efforts to improve transparency, compliance and accountability of the carriers. Foreign airlines will have to ensure that their operations align with India’s civil aviation laws. The regulator can now suspend the operating authorisation of a foreign operator if it fails to maintain scheduled operations for four consecutive IATA seasons at specific Indian airports.

This is to ensure that airlines do not arbitrarily suspend services from airports without giving adequate notice and would help maintain continuity in service for Indian passengers. Foreign airlines will have also have to register on the DGCA’s ‘eGovernance of Civil Aviation (eGCA) portal.

What are the benefits of these changes for passengers?

A passenger grievance mechanism will enable travellers to complain to the DGCA if they feel the foreign airline has failed to meet required service standards.

29/04/2026 Nithin Belle/Khaleej Times

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Rohit Pawar alleges ₹145 crore payout to aviation firm after Ajit Pawar’s fatal crash

Pune: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar claimed on Tuesday that instead of investigating VSR Ventures following the fatal plane crash that killed then deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, the govt paid the aviation firm Rs145 crore.

The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures, crashed near Baramati airport on Jan 28 while transporting Ajit Pawar from Mumbai. Marking the three-month anniversary of the tragedy, Rohit Pawar visited the CID office to seek an update on the investigation. However, the MLA claimed he was unable to meet any high-ranking officials.

"I was told that all the senior officers had gone to Mumbai to participate in a cricket match," Rohit told newspersons, expressing frustration over the lack of progress.

This was Rohit's third visit to the CID office. He claimed the investigating officers were yet to provide a satisfactory response regarding the status of the case. "The owner of VSR Ventures, V.K. Singh, has only been summoned once, while his son, Rohit Singh, has not been questioned by the CID at all," he said.

The NCP (SP) MLA highlighted a series of payments made to the aviation firm immediately surrounding the date of the crash. According to Rohit, the state govt continued to clear VSR Ventures' bills with unusual speed, even as other state obligations remained unpaid.

"On Jan 27, a day before the crash, the state paid VSR Rs15.72 crore. On the day of the tragedy, another Rs9.81 crore was released. Even on Jan 29, as the final rites were being performed for Ajit Dada in Baramati, the govt cleared a payment of Rs16.86 crore," Rohit claimed. 

29/04/2026 Anurag Bende/Times of India 

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Air India resists, IndiGo backs Navi Mumbai airport shift

The aviation landscape in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is witnessing a significant divide as major carriers respond to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority’s (AERA) latest consultation paper on the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).

While IndiGo has voiced strong support for the project's potential, Air India and international bodies have flagged financial and operational burden of the transition.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has taken a bullish stance on the new airport, challenging the current traffic estimates as being too low. In its submission to AERA, the airline pointed out that more than 140 daily movements are already being handled at the site, which equates to roughly 9.4 million seats annually.

The carrier predicts that with a 90 percent seat factor, NMIA could see nearly 8.5 million passengers in its very first year of operation. "In our view, the number of passengers expected to be handled at NMIA in the first year of operation will be nearly 8.5 million," the airline said.

Given the aggressive fleet expansions across the industry, "it is estimated that the airport’s projected installed capacity will get fully utilized at an early date", IndiGo said.

29/04/2026 Swaraj Baggonkar/Moneycontrol

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India Moves to Cap Airport Bids as Adani Eyes Clean Sweep of 11 Airports

India is preparing to impose limits on bids by a single entity in the planned privatisation of 11 airports, amid growing concerns over market concentration, The Economic Times reported. The move follows rising fears of monopolistic dominance in the aviation sector, which came under scrutiny after the IndiGo crisis last year.

According to the report, government officials involved in the process said discussions have begun on structuring bidding rules to encourage competition while preventing excessive concentration of assets in the hands of a single player.

Govt may limit a single entity to two airport blocks (four airports) to prevent market concentration.

Move gains urgency as Adani signals aggressive bids for all 11 airports, echoing its 2018 sweep.

Airlines warn of operational shutdown risks as ATF prices surge amid the West Asia conflict and rising crude.

India is preparing to impose limits on bids by a single entity in the planned privatisation of 11 airports, amid growing concerns over market concentration, The Economic Times reported. The move follows rising fears of monopolistic dominance in the aviation sector, which came under scrutiny after the IndiGo crisis last year.

According to the report, government officials involved in the process said discussions have begun on structuring bidding rules to encourage competition while preventing excessive concentration of assets in the hands of a single player.

In the 2018 privatisation round, no such cap was imposed, allowing Adani Enterprises to emerge as the highest bidder for all six airports on offer. Adani Group Director Jeet Adani has since indicated that the group will aggressively pursue all 11 airports in the upcoming round, prompting policymakers to consider safeguards.

However, some officials caution that imposing strict limits could make bidders more conservative and potentially reduce auction proceeds.

Under the proposal, a single entity would be allowed to win a maximum of two blocks—equivalent to four airports. If the same bidder tops a third block, the next-highest bidder would be given the option to match the winning price. The final decision will rest with the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee.

The upcoming privatisation round will include seven smaller airports bundled with six larger ones in similar geographies, in a bid to make less commercially viable assets more attractive to investors.

Under this model, Varanasi will be paired with Kushinagar and Gaya, Amritsar with Kangra, Bhubaneswar with Tirupati , Raipur with Aurangabad , and Trichy with Hubli.

Officials across ministries remain divided. A senior civil aviation ministry official noted that airports inherently carry monopoly risks, and excessive concentration could pose systemic threats.

29/04/2026 Outlook

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India to hit 500 million pax by 2030, executive says

The Indian aviation sector is estimated to handle about 500 million passengers annually by 2030 and reach nearly 1 billion by 2047, supported by sustained demand and fleet expansion, with over 1,000 aircraft orders in place, a top industry executive said. Speaking at the Airport 360 Expo 2026 Navi Mumbai International Airport CEO BVJK Sharma said India is already among the top three domestic aviation markets globally, with passenger traffic reaching around 412 million in 2025, reflecting strong growth momentum.

“We are already one of the top three domestic aviation markets in the world, and we are continuing to grow rapidly. In 2025 itself, we handled about 4 million passengers and 3.5 million of cargo, which is around 20 percent higher than the pre-COVID levels. The growth would be rapid, but considering that the historical growth has been 10-12 percent, it could taper down to 5.6 percent by 2044,” Sharma said.

“But, nevertheless, we will see about 500 million passengers very soon, probably before 2030 and a billion passengers by 2047. Our domestic air travel is expected to grow at 17 percent to start with, year-on-year and also show a steady, very healthy demand,” he said.  “Infrastructure expansion is progressing at pace, with over 160 operational airports and continued investments under National programmes”, he said, adding that “Aviation contributes nearly USD 54 billion to the economy and supports millions of jobs, with emerging segments, such as MRO, expected to play a significant role in strengthening the ecosystem. At Navi Mumbai International Airport, capacity is being developed in phases to reach 90 million passengers by 2032, supported by strong connectivity, digital infrastructure, and integrated planning.”  he said. “As demand continues to rise, the focus will remain on building scalable, efficient, and future-ready airport ecosystems to support India’s next phase of aviation growth.” Sharma added.

29/04/2026 Asian Aviation

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Jaipur airport becomes Raj’s first water-positive airport

Jaipur: Jaipur International Airport has achieved water positivity, becoming the first airport in Rajasthan and among a select few in India to earn the distinction, officials said Tuesday.

A water-positive facility is one that replenishes more water than it consumes, balancing the total freshwater use with water savings from improved efficiency, reuse and replenishment. A water-positive facility becomes a water provider from a water consumer.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, the airport consumed 103.39 MLD of water while conserving 137.09 MLD through recharge pits and recycled water use, effectively replenishing more water than it used. In northern India, it is the second such airport after Delhi’s IGI Airport.

Officials said the certification was awarded by global consulting firm Bureau Veritas after a detailed assessment of the airport’s water management systems.

“Operating in a water-scarce region, Jaipur International Airport has always been committed to efficient management of water through responsible stewardship, operational sustainability, for long-term resilience,” an official spokesperson said. “Over the past few years, the airport has taken multiple steps in ensuring judicious use of water. The airport has installed 18 deep aquifer recharge pits to support rainwater harvesting and groundwater replenishment,” he added.

According to officials, the achievement rests on three key pillars: 100% recycling and reuse of treated water, reduction in freshwater consumption, and robust rainwater harvesting infrastructure.

28/04/2026 Times of India

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AAI Invites E-Tenders for Automated Parking System at Dehradun Airport

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has invited e-tenders for the grant of license for the Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning (SITC) and operation of an Automated Vehicle Parking Management System at Dehradun Airport. The project also includes the collection of parking and lane pick-up fees, aimed at improving passenger convenience and streamlining airport parking operations through advanced automation.

The initiative is part of AAI’s ongoing efforts to modernise airport infrastructure and enhance digital service delivery across Indian airports. The automated system is expected to improve traffic flow, strengthen revenue management, and provide a seamless parking experience for passengers and visitors.

28/04/2026 Ganesh Kahar/PSU Connect

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Maharashtra govt close to acquiring Air India building in south Mumbai as finance dept transfers Rs 1,600cr

 MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has moved closer to acquiring the iconic Air India building in south Mumbai after the Finance Department transferred Rs 1,600 crore to the Public Works Department, setting in motion the process to finalise the agreement with Air India Assets Holding Limited.A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official said the draft agreement would be sent for vetting to avoid any lacunae and is likely to be signed within the next two weeks.

The Centre approved the sale of the building to the Maharashtra government for Rs 1,601 crore in March 2024, and the state cabinet cleared the acquisition in November 2025.

Once the agreement is signed and the property is transferred, the state government will undertake internal renovations and make the 23-storey sea-facing structure operational within a year. It plans to shift several offices, many of which currently function from rented premises, to the building located near the Mantralaya at Nariman Point.

The move comes amid a space crunch at the Mantralaya and its annexe. After a major fire at the secretariat complex in 2012, several departments shifted to different parts of the city, leading to continued expenditure on rented offices.

Officials said the acquisition will provide around 46,470 square metres of office space in close proximity to the state secretariat, helping streamline administrative functioning.

29/04/2026 PTI/Times of India

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Zomato & Air India Maharaja Club to part ways on May 1, 2026

It’s never a great sign when a loyalty partnership quietly fades out without much fanfare. And yet, that’s roughly what’s happening with the Zomato × Air India Maharaja Club tie-up, which officially closes on May 1, 2026. If you’ve been earning or burning miles through this partnership, the clock is almost out.

When Air India relaunched its revamped Maharaja Club frequent-flyer programme under the Tata Group’s ownership, it came out swinging with a series of partnerships designed to make the programme feel relevant to everyday life — not just to road warriors logging 100,000 miles a year.

One of the tie-ups was with Zomato, which partnered with Air India Maharaja Club in the aftermath of Swiggy partnering with IndiGo’s BluChip (subsequently with Marriott Bonvoy as well and an announced but not live partnership with Etihad Guest).

Under the partnership, Zomato users could link their Maharaja Club accounts and earn Air India miles on eligible Zomato orders. For a certain type of points enthusiast — the kind who obsessively accumulates miles across every possible channel — this was genuinely useful. A few miles here, a few there, and suddenly a domestic redemption starts looking more achievable.

28/04/2026 Ajay/Live from a Lounge

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India's domestic air passenger traffic grows 1.4 pc to 1,677.4 lakh in FY26: Report

Mumbai, India's domestic air passenger traffic grew 1.4 per cent year-on-year to 1,677.4 lakh in FY26, in line with the Icra's estimate of 0-3 per cent, the agency said on Tuesday.

All Indian airlines together had flown a total of 1,653.8 lakh passengers in FY25.

For March this year, the domestic air passenger traffic rose 1 per cent year-on-year to 146.8 lakh, Icra said.

The airlines' capacity deployment in March 2026 was 3 per cent lower than a year earlier, the agency said, adding that it is estimated that the domestic aviation industry operated at a passenger load factor of 89.5 per cent in the reporting month compared to 86 per cent in March 2025.

International passenger traffic for Indian carriers in February this year stood at 28.5 lakh, a decline of 0.3 per cent yearon-year and a sequential fall of 16 per cent. For the April-February period of the previous fiscal, it was seen at 331.5 lakh, a growth of 7.7 per cent, Icra said.

28/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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13,194 pilgrims from Kerala to perform Haj; inaugural flight from Kochi on April 30

The first Haj flight from Kerala will depart from Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery to Jeddah at 2.10 p.m. on Thursday, carrying 430 pilgrims under the Haj Committee. A total of 13,194 pilgrims from the State are scheduled to perform Haj this year under the Haj Committee.

State Haj Committee chairman Husain Saqafi Chullikkode said here that the State’s embarkation points at Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur were fully prepared for the pilgrimage. The State-level Haj camp will start functioning in Kochi on Wednesday.

Of the pilgrims, 7,943 will fly from Kochi, 4,279 from Kannur and 944 from Karipur. High airfares from Karipur have led many pilgrims to opt for Kochi and Kannur instead.

Mr. Saqafi also said that 28 pilgrims from Kerala would depart from airports in other States. In addition, pilgrims from other regions will also travel from Kerala’s airports, including 107 from Lakshadweep, 39 from Puducherry, 263 from Tamil Nadu, 239 from Karnataka, five from Uttar Pradesh and two each from Maharashtra and Telangana.

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carriers Flynas and Flyadeal are operating services from Kochi and Kannur respectively. Flynas will operate 20 flights from Kochi, each carrying 430 passengers. Flyadeal will operate 13 flights from Kannur with 350 passengers each. Indian low-cost carrier Akasa Air will operate seven services from Kozhikode between May 14 and 17, carrying 145 pilgrims per flight.

28/04/2026 Hindu

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Air India Express introduces twelve new routes; adds direct connectivity from three metro cities

Air India Express has introduced eleven new routes in its summer schedule from major metros to state capitals, economic hubs and popular leisure destinations. Bookings for these flights are now open on the airline’s award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, its mobile app, through travel partners and other booking platforms.

New Air India Express Routes Schedule effective from May 01, 2026 (all timings are local)
Dep. Airport	Arrival Airport	Dep. Time	Arrival Time	Frequency
Ahmedabad	Chandigarh	11:05	13:00	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Chandigarh	Ahmedabad	13:30	15:25	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Ahmedabad	Dehradun	06:25	08:15	Daily
Dehradun	Ahmedabad	08:45	10:35	Daily
Ahmedabad	Mumbai	15:55	17:15	Daily
Mumbai	Ahmedabad	22:05	23:35	Daily
Mumbai	Chandigarh	16:25	18:45	Daily
Chandigarh	Mumbai	19:15	21:35	Daily
Mumbai	Dehradun	10:25	12:45	Daily
Dehradun	Mumbai	13:15	15:35	Daily
Mumbai	Patna	12:00	14:35	Daily
Patna	Mumbai	15:05	17:25	Daily
Bagdogra	Pune	09:35	12:25	Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun
Pune	Bagdogra	13:15	16:05	Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun
Bagdogra	Chennai	09:45	12:45	Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Chennai	Bagdogra	15:45	18:20	Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Hyderabad	Ranchi	12:40	14:30	Daily
Ranchi	Hyderabad	21:30	23:40	Daily
Bagdogra	Chennai	09:45	12:45	Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Chennai	Bagdogra	15:45	18:20	Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Kochi	Delhi	05:30	08:40	Daily
Delhi	Kochi	21:30	01:00	Daily
Hyderabad	Ranchi	12:40	14:30	Daily
Ranchi	Hyderabad	21:30	23:40	Daily

The new routes connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad, while also linking both cities with both Chandigarh and Dehradun, along with expanding the airline’s network from Mumbai with direct connectivity to Patna. As part of this network expansion, the airline will offer direct connectivity connecting Pune and Chennai with Bagdogra, a key leisure destination and Gateway to the Eastern Himalayas. Pune-Bagdogra is a route served exclusively by Air India Express, with flights operating five days a week.

 With the introduction of these services from 1st May 2026, Air India Express now operates 40 weekly flights from Ahmedabad, 108 from Bagdogra, 27 from Chandigarh, 393 from Delhi, 28 from Dehradun, 62 from Kochi, 86 from Kolkata, 174 from Mumbai, 42 from Patna, and 96 from Pune.

The airline has reinstated previously operated routes, including Bagdogra–Chennai, Delhi-Kochi and Hyderabad–Ranchi in response to seasonal demand.

28/04/2026 Air India Express

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DGCA Grants Licence To Country's First Seaplane Airline Company; Operations To Start From Lakshadweep

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted a licence to aviation company SkyHop Aviation to operate commercial seaplane services in the country.

Avani Singh, founder and chief executive of the company, announced the same in a LinkedIn post on Monday. This makes SkyHop Aviation India’s first dedicated company providing seaplane services.

“Proud to receive our Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with the support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA. The result of tremendous hard work from our team at SkyHop Aviation Private Limited over the past year. We cannot wait to fly the people of India, and beyond!,” Singh said in her LinkedIn post.

Singh is the daughter of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh. To start with, her company is planning to provide seaplane services in five islands in Lakshadweep, connecting them with each other.

Operations will begin with a 19-seater aircraft. The company has converted an aircraft of a non-operational airline into a seaplane by fixing floats to it.

SkyHop is also exploring other similar opportunities across the country.

Earlier in April, the company had successfully conducted a test flight in Rishikesh. The flight took off and landed at the Ganga Barrage on April 6.

27/04/2026 Rakshit Kumar/Free Press Journal

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Is seaplane travel set to begin in India? This aviation company receives DGCA approval

A new chapter is about to begin in India's aviation sector as seaplane-based travel is set to be introduced in the country soon. To pave the way for commercial operations on the waterway, Skyhop Aviation has received an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

With this approval, the company is preparing to launch India's first dedicated commercial seaplane service. It is expected that this will mark a significant shift towards water aerodrome-based connectivity in the country.

First phase to begin in Lakshadweep, five islands to be linked

Operations will begin in Lakshadweep, with the first phase connecting five islands. A link with the mainland is also part of the rollout plan. The service will use a 19-seater aircraft designed for short-haul water operations.

Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation, said the AOC marks a key step forward for the company. It gives us the foundation to move forward with confidence, she said, adding that the company is grateful to the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for their guidance and support through the approval process.

An Air Operator Certificate is the regulator’s clearance that allows an operator to begin commercial flight services. It confirms that the DGCA has reviewed and approved safety systems, operational procedures, training standards and technical readiness.

SkyHop Aviation is positioning itself as a seaplane-focused operator aimed at improving connectivity across islands, coastal regions and other locations where airport infrastructure is limited or difficult to build.

The company expects seaplanes to cut travel time and improve access, particularly in tourism-driven destinations, while also creating new regional routes.

While Lakshadweep will be the starting point, the company is also looking at possible expansion to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Kerala’s backwaters, coastal Gujarat, parts of the Northeast, and select inland water bodies. Any expansion, however, will depend on regulatory approvals, environmental clearances and safety requirements.

27/04/2026 ZeeBiz

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Air India, IndiGo plan to resume Qatar flights as Gulf airspace situation improves; IndiGo shares face pressure

As the overall flight situation in the Gulf region continues to improve, Air India and IndiGo are also planning to resume flight operations from Qatar to India soon, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday.

With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is already operating flights to various destinations in India, according to a statement issued by the MEA.

Additional flights are now operating from the Middle East, with around 105 flights expected on Monday between the UAE and India as airlines continue to operate limited commercial services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi based on operational and safety considerations.

Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. Kuwait airspace is also open, with Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways resuming limited operations to India. Bahrain airspace is open as well, with Gulf Air operating flights to multiple Indian destinations.

Besides, Iraq's airspace is open with limited flight operations that can be used for onward travel to India.

Iran's airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights, but Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to Iran, and those already there are urged to leave via land routes with embassy support, the MEA said. So far, the Indian embassy in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,445 Indian nationals through land border routes.

Israel's airspace is also open, with limited flight operations resuming to regional destinations that can be used for travel to India.

28/04/2026 International Business Times

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Star Air plans 50-aircraft scale up in next 5 years; aims to become the largest regional player

Backed by a 32-destination network, recent new weekly flights, 55% revenue growth and plans to induct six aircraft this year, Star Air is accelerating expansion in unserved markets while evaluating larger 100+ seater jets in longer term to up the regional game.

India’s aviation growth has historically been concentrated on trunk routes, but these markets somehow are now nearing saturation, with intense competition and pricing pressure. In contrast, many of the tier II and III cities, home to a large share of India’s population, remain under-served. It is here where the regional airline like Star Air is carving a niche: deepening connectivity in these underserved and unserved markets. 

With a reported 55% jump in revenue in 2025 and plans to expand its fleet manifolds over the next five years, the airline is positioning regional aviation as a serious growth engine, not a peripheral play, says Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Star Air, in her conversation with T3. 

“We wanted to grow in segments where others have not ventured… our focus is to connect the real India,” Bhatia said. 

Since its inception in 2019, Star Air, an aviation arm of Sanjay Ghodawat Group, has deliberately avoided the overcrowded metro routes, instead focusing on building connectivity across tier II and III cities. At a time when India’s aviation landscape is dominated by narrow-body expansion and international ambitions, this regional-first approach stands out, as per Bhatia. 

27/04/2026 TravelTrendsToday

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IndiGo warns of Delhi flight delays amid thunderstorms, issues key advisory

IndiGo on Monday issued a travel advisory for Delhi airport passengers, warning that thundershowers could impact flight operations.

"With thunderstorms expected to pass over Delhi, departures and arrivals may be impacted. While our teams are preparing well in advance to keep things running smoothly, the weather may slow things down a touch," said the low-cost airline in a post on social media platform X.

"If you're travelling today, we recommend checking your flight status on our website or app before heading out through https://bit.ly/4bCoWYk. Please also allow for some extra travel time as road traffic may also be affected."

A yellow alert has been issued for the national capital for rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds from Monday to Thursday. This comes as the city faces an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 42.3 degrees Celsius.

27/04/2026 Economic Times

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India’s Green Aviation Leap: Ethanol Blending Allowed In Jet Fuel To Slash Crude Imports By 2027

In a historic move, the Indian government has amended the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Regulation Order, 2026, allowing the blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons with jet fuel for the first time in 25 years. This policy shift aims to slash carbon emissions and reduce India's 85% dependence on crude oil imports. While traditional ATF is refined from crude, the new "Synthetic Hydrocarbons" (SAF) are derived from renewable feedstocks like agricultural waste and fats. India has set a roadmap to introduce 1% SAF blending for international flights by 2027, scaling to 5% by 2030, aligning with ICAO’s global green aviation goals.

27/04/2026 Business Today

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Delhi Airport Issues Advisory, Warns of Flight Disruptions Amid Thunderstorms

Amid inclement weather conditions across North India, airport authorities have said operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport remain normal, though some flight schedules may be impacted due to adverse conditions. Citing the forecast by the India Meteorological Department, officials said thundershowers in the region could lead to delays in departures and arrivals. Ground teams are working closely with stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption and a smooth travel experience for passengers.

"As per the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast, North India is experiencing inclement weather conditions. Delhi Airport operation remains normal however some flight schedules may be impacted," the Delhi airport said. 

Travellers have been advised to plan their commute in advance and consider alternative transport options to reach the airport. Authorities recommended using the Delhi Metro, with the Magenta Line connecting to Terminal 1 and the Airport Express Line serving Terminals 2 and 3, to avoid possible traffic delays caused by weather conditions.

Meanwhile, airline IndiGo has also issued a travel advisory, warning that flights to and from Delhi could be affected. The airline urged passengers to check their flight status via its website or app before leaving for the airport and to allow extra travel time.

27/04/2026 Sneha/ABP Live

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Coca-Cola India launches digital activation at BLR Airport

 Coca-Cola India has partnered with Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) to introduce an innovative digital activation at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. This initiative, launched on 23 April 2026, allows passengers to receive a complimentary chilled Coca-Cola by enrolling in Pulse, BLR Airport's official app. The activation aims to enhance the travel experience by offering a refreshing moment amidst the journey.

The collaboration between Coca-Cola India, a leading beverage company, and BLR Airport, one of India's fastest-growing airports, is designed to seamlessly integrate digital convenience with refreshment. Passengers can easily participate by scanning a QR code displayed on digital screens within the terminals, enrolling in the app, and redeeming their drink at a dedicated Coke Zone. This approach ensures a frictionless experience for travellers.

Abhishek Gupta, Vice President of Customer Development at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, highlighted the significance of airports as engaging consumer spaces. 

28/04/2026 Travel Daily Media

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Noida airport gets final security clearance, may see flights take off in first week of June

New Delhi: Days after it replaced its expat CEO with an Indian one to overcome a regulatory hurdle, Noida International Airport (NIA) on Monday received its final clearance, allowing preparations to begin for commercial launch.

With Bureau of Civil Aviation Security clearing the aerodrome security programme (ASP), Noida airport’s launch airline partners — IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa — are expected to start selling tickets for domestic flights soon.

The first flight from NIA is likely to take off in the first week of June.

An aviation ministry official said, “First week of June will be an important time for Delhi-NCR’s aerial connectivity. While NIA will start domestic operations, Delhi’s IGI Airport will start its hub-and-spoke operations to enable seamless transfers (like the ones at Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore or Frankfurt) between domestic and international flights.”

This means Delhi’s IGI will set into motion the process of turning into a hub airport for international flyers from different cities, giving them a smoother transit experience that integrates certain processes at the spoke airport with the hub airport.

The double boost for aviation in Delhi-NCR comes at a challenging time for airlines, which are battling cost overruns and a fall in international travel because of the US-Israel war with Iran.

IGI Airport’s international capacity, incidentally, will increase from a little over 2 crore passengers annually to 3.2 crore after the recently converted international pier at Delhi IGIA’s T3 (Pier C) becomes operational next week. In about a month from that, seamless transfers will start and airside transit will also be rolled out between T1 and T3.

So, while India’s busiest airport, IGIA, begins its journey to becoming a hub, NIA will take flight as Delhi’s second international airport.

28/04/2026 Times of India

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Jodhpur airport to resume flight ops from today after month-long runway repairs

Jodhpur: Jodhpur airport will reopen for civil flight operations from Tuesday after remaining closed for nearly a month due to runway repair work. The first flight -- IndiGo service from Bengaluru, is scheduled to arrive at 8:45 am.

Airport director Manoj Uniyal said that connectivity with multiple cities will be restored, allowing passengers to access regular services again.

The airport was shut for commercial flights from March 29 (6:30 pm) to April 27 (6:30 pm) following a Notice to Air Missions issued for runway re-carpeting by the Indian Air Force. During this period, all civil flight operations remained suspended.

The Jodhpur airport is a joint-use facility where both military and civilian aircraft operate on the same runway, making periodic maintenance essential.

28/04/2026 Times of India

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Two held with suspected heroin at Imphal Airport while en route to Bengaluru

 Security forces arrested two individuals at Imphal International Airport on April 27, for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected contraband heroin.

According to official sources, the two passengers, both residents of Mayang Imphal in Imphal West district, were intercepted while preparing to board a flight to Bengaluru. Upon search, security personnel recovered approximately 84 grams of suspected Heroin No. 4 from their possession.

The accused have been identified as Aslam Khan (39), a resident of Bengoon Loubuk Leikai, and Chesam Amir (31) of Phoubakchao Makha Leikai.

Authorities suspect that the duo was involved in trafficking the narcotic substance outside the state.

27/04/2026 India Today NE

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Vivekananda Nayak Appointed as Chief Financial Officer – Designate at GMR Hyderabad Airport

Hyderabad: Vivekananda Nayak has taken on the role of Chief Financial Officer – Designate at GMR Hyderabad Airport, bringing extensive experience across strategic finance, project finance, capital allocation, funding, investor interface, financial governance, private equity engagement, compliance, and infrastructure finance.

In his new role, Vivekananda Nayak will lead the finance function for GMR Hyderabad Airport, driving financial strategy, capital allocation, funding, and investor engagement while ensuring robust governance within a regulatory and concession-led framework. His role will also focus on value creation across a diversified airport platform spanning aero, non-aero, MRO, and commercial land development.

Vivekananda has been associated with GMR Group for nearly two decades, building deep finance leadership experience across infrastructure and strategic finance functions. Before taking on his new role at GMR Hyderabad Airport, he served as Vice President – Strategic Finance at GMR Group, where he worked across strategic finance, equity, project finance, and related business priorities.

Earlier at GMR Group, Vivekananda served as General Manager in a CFO-1 level role. His responsibilities included presenting to the Board of Directors, managing private equity investors, preparing business plans, handling project and working capital funding, engaging with Big Four auditors, ensuring tax, statutory, audit and consolidation compliances, and managing a finance team of more than 20 members.

28/04/2026 Smita Singh/HR Today

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Juhu airport runway faces a cut, minaret stands tall

As a 37-metre-tall minaret of a nearby mosque stands in its way, the Airports Authority of India plans to issue a notice to Juhu airport to shorten its 732-metre runway by 300 metres.

The Airports Authority of India plans to issue a notice to Juhu airport to shorten its runway by 300 metres, which will reduce the 732-metre strip by almost half and jeopardise operations. Sources said at least 40 per cent of operations, mainly by Pawan Hans and ONGC, will be hit.

17/04/2026 Mid Day

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Security Scare at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: Hoax Bomb Threat Defused

An email threatening a bomb attack at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport prompted a significant security response on Monday. The suspicious email led airport authorities to conduct extensive screening measures.

However, investigators later dismissed the threat as a hoax, finding no evidence of danger during comprehensive security checks.

27/04/2026 Devdiscourse

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Jalgaon: New Air Service To Delhi Via Indore From May 2, Trial Run Begins

Jalgaon: After a long wait, a major demand of Jalgaon residents is finally being met, as Alliance Air is set to launch a commercial flight service connecting Jalgaon to New Delhi via Indore from May 2. The service will begin on a trial basis and will continue depending on the response from passengers. District Collector Rohan Ghuge expressed confidence that this new route will strengthen the city’s industrial, commercial, and tourism sectors.

At present, Jalgaon has air connectivity with cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad through airlines like Alliance Air and Fly91. For a long time, residents had been demanding direct air links to Indore, New Delhi, and Jaipur. A large number of traders and business professionals frequently travel to Indore, and this service is expected to benefit them significantly, along with tourists visiting Madhya Pradesh. Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse played an important role in making this service possible.

The Jalgaon–Indore–New Delhi flight will operate on a trial basis from May 2 to May 31. Its continuation will depend on passenger demand. The service is expected to benefit people from Jalgaon, Dhule, and Buldhana districts, as well as parts of the Vidarbha region. 

27/04/2026 Vijay Pathak/Free Press Journal

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