Air India’s cabin glow-up is fighting the pressure of a brutal money heat

Four years after the Tata Group took control of Air India, the airline is trying to rebuild itself seat by seat.

The often-criticised creaky flying experience that once symbolised the decline of India’s former national carrier, is now getting a makeover as the Tata-owned airline rebuilds the planes with new leather upholstery, redesigned cabins, Premium Economy sections, upgraded entertainment systems and fresh branding.

The makeover stretches from narrowbody domestic jets to long-haul Dreamliners flying to Europe and the UK, meanwhile a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft painted in Air India's iconic shades of red and white fly towards North America.

But the transformation is unfolding against one of the most turbulent periods in the airline’s recent history: ballooning losses, route suspensions, geopolitical disruptions, soaring jet fuel prices and mounting pressure on Tata Sons to prove that Air India’s revival story can eventually translate into financial stability.

In an interaction with ET Online, Air India laid out the scale of its fleet overhaul, describing a multi-year programme involving retrofits, new aircraft inductions and network restructuring aimed at repositioning the airline as a globally competitive full-service carrier.

“Air India’s fleet transformation is well underway and spans a combination of retrofitting legacy aircraft and new aircraft deliveries from the airline’s orders placed for 600 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing,” the airline told ET Online.

20/05/2026 Jhanavi Pathak/Economic Times

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Flyadeal announces launch of flights to India

Riyadh: flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline has announced the launch of scheduled services to India with daily flights between Riyadh and Hyderabad beginning 1 July 2026 onwards.

Sanjiv Kapoor, flyadeal acting Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Strategies at Saudia Group, said: “India, a long-awaited addition to flyadeal’s growing network of international destinations,is a key part of Saudia Group and flyadeal’s long term strategy.

“Our promise of friendly, efficient, low fare, and on-time service, builds on parent Saudia Group’s long-established presence in India since 1964 through our sister airline Saudia.

“Hyderabad is the first step of our planned expansion into India, fuelled by the strong economic, social and cultural tiesthat India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have enjoyed for decades.Together with Saudia, the Saudia Group will now serve the Indian market comprehensively. Saudia offering full-service excellence and flyadeal delivering the best low fares for price-conscious travellers.”

20/05/2026 Aviation World

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Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Fuel Switch under Fresh DGCA Scrutiny, OEM Inspection Ordered

India’s aviation regulator has ordered a fresh inspection of the fuel control switches of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner at the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) facility, months after the aircraft was grounded following a reported cockpit defect involving the left engine fuel control switch.

 The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) says Air India aircraft VT-ANX was grounded on 2 February 2026 after operating flight AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru. The move followed an entry in the pilot defect report stating that the left fuel control switch slipped from 'run' to 'cutoff' when pushed slightly and failed to lock positively in the selected position.

 In a statement issued late Monday, the ministry of civil aviation says Air India subsequently carried out inspection and functional testing of the fuel control switches in accordance with procedures prescribed by the OEM and in the presence of DGCA officers.

 “Upon review of the inspection results and evidence provided, OEM concluded that the fuel control switch was mechanically functioning as designed and considered the unit serviceable,” the ministry says.

 However, DGCA has now directed that the switches undergo further inspection at the OEM facility under the supervision of its officers as part of continued airworthiness monitoring.

 The latest directive comes amid heightened scrutiny of fuel control switches on Boeing 787 aircraft following the fatal crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad in June 2025 which killed 260 people. A preliminary investigation into that crash found that fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines had been cut off seconds after take-off. Cockpit voice recordings reportedly captured one pilot questioning why the fuel control switch had been moved to 'cutoff', while the other pilot denied doing so.

 The VT-ANX incident first surfaced after the London-Bengaluru flight landed in Bengaluru on 2nd February. According to the DGCA’s earlier statement issued on 4 February 2026, the issue had initially been observed during engine start at Heathrow Airport.

The regulator had then said the left engine fuel control switch failed to remain positively latched in the 'run' position on two occasions when light vertical pressure was applied. On the third attempt, the switch latched correctly and remained stable throughout the flight.

 “Before continuing with the rest of procedure, a physical verification was performed by the crew to confirm that the switch was fully and positively latched in the ‘run’ position,” DGCA had stated.

 The regulator added that no abnormal engine parameters, warnings, cautions, or related system messages were observed either during engine start or during the flight. The aircraft completed the journey without incident.

20/05/2026 Moneylife

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BOC, Akasa ink pact to get three more B737-8200 for Akasa

BOC Aviation will be purchasing and leasingback three more Boeing 737-8200 aircraft to Akasa Air on long-term operating leases, Akasa said in a press statement Thursday. All aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, and all are scheduled for delivery by end-2026.

"Following our successful transaction last November, we are pleased to be executing a further agreement with Akasa as it builds its business in India and beyond,” said Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer, BOC Aviation. “The Boeing 737-8200 on which it is centering its fleet development remains one of the world’s most popular single-aisle jets, demonstrates industry-leading fuel efficiency and is a cornerstone of our orderbook.”

Priya Mehra, Chief of Governance & Strategic Acquisitions, Akasa Air, said “We are pleased to further deepen our partnership with BOC Aviation through this second transaction that adds further three Boeing 737-8200 aircraft, which reflects a shared long-term conviction in Akasa Air’s growth trajectory and the strength of the Indian aviation market.

As a leading global aircraft lessor, BOC Aviation brings deep institutional expertise and a strong understanding of the evolving aviation landscape, making them an important strategic financing partner for Akasa Air. This agreement aligns with our disciplined approach to scaling the airline through a modern, fuel-efficient fleet while maintaining capital efficiency, financial flexibility, and long-term operational resilience.”

21/05/2026 Akasa

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140 systems, 30 AI initiatives, 2-years: Inside Air India’s digital reinvention

As India’s aviation industry is undergoing one of its most ambitious reinventions, Air India’s transformation stands out for its scale, speed, and operational complexity.

In less than three years, the airline has modernised more than 140 enterprise systems, migrated to a 100% cloud-native infrastructure, launched award-winning digital consumer platforms, built one of aviation’s most advanced AI and analytics ecosystems, and executed what many in the industry describe as one of the smoothest airline mergers globally through the integration of Air India and Vistara.

More significantly, much of this transformation was completed in nearly two years—compared to the global airline benchmark of 10+ years for modernisation programs of similar scale.

At the centre of this transformation is Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Air India, who joined the airline in 2022 to rebuild its digital backbone from the ground up.

20/05/2026 Amit Singh/Express Computer

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Air India AI-171 crash probe in final stage, report expected soon: Aviation Minister

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Wednesday said the investigation into the Air India AI-171 plane crash has reached its final stages and the report is expected to be released soon.

Speaking in Ranchi, the minister stressed that the inquiry is being conducted in a transparent, fair and accountable manner due to the international nature of the flight involved in the incident.

The AI-171 crash took place on June 12 last year when the Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 260 lives, including passengers, crew members and people on the ground.

Kinjarapu stated that the investigation is open to scrutiny and follows global aviation standards. He added that authorities are committed to ensuring complete transparency before releasing the final findings.

20/05/2023 Pioneer

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India's two largest aviation hubs cut ATF tax. How much can airlines gain?

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) tax relief announced by Delhi and Mumbai, India’s two largest aviation hubs, could provide meaningful cost support to airlines battling volatile crude prices, rupee weakness and rising operational expenses, industry experts said.

 The move assumes significance because Delhi and Mumbai together account for a disproportionately large share of India’s airline traffic, fuelling activity and long-haul connectivity, giving any ATF tax cut at these hubs an outsized impact on airline economics.

 Delhi government last week reduced VAT on ATF from 25 per cent to 7 per cent for an initial six-month period, while Maharashtra cut VAT on ATF in Mumbai from 18 per cent to 7 per cent.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the move could result in an estimated revenue loss of nearly ₹985 crore for the government, but argued that the decision would boost aviation activity and give the national capital a competitive edge.

 The tax cuts come at a time when airlines continue to grapple with elevated fuel prices and mounting cost pressures due to the West Asia crisis.

19/05/2026 Akshita Singh/Business Standard

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A Su-57 variant for India already in the making? Did Russia just unveil the stealth fighter New Delhi wanted years ago?

In the past few months, Russia has been aggressively pitching the Su-57 stealth fighter to India, particularly since the jet's appearance at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. Moscow has offered extensive technology transfer, local production in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and integration of Indian-made weapons into the aircraft. As exporting a fifth-generation aircraft is being seen as a stopgap measure, while India develops its own programme, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Russia has even expressed willingness to support the country's indigenous fifth-generation fighter ambitions.

Now, according to media reports, images appeared on the Telegram channel, Fighterbomber, run by military aviation blogger Ilya Tumanov, considered to be a reliable source of Russian tactical aviation and who has close ties with the Russian Aerospace Forces, have shown a two-seat version of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, which is primarily aimed at exporting.

Sukhoi Su-57 is traditionally a single-seat aircraft. However, according to a report in The War Zone, a redesigned forward fuselage featuring a tandem two-seat cockpit configuration, resembling that of the Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker family, is one of the major features of the aircraft that was seen in the Telegram images.

19/05/2026 Jose K George/The Week

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Indian Doctor Accuses Vietnam Airlines Staff Of Racial Profiling: "Never Experienced Such Vile Treatment"

 An Indian physician has gone viral on social media after alleging that he and his family faced humiliation and discrimination while boarding a Vietnam Airlines flight. In a post on X, Dr. Abhay Daga said the incident took place on May 11 while his family of three was boarding the business class section of the flight. According to him, a ground staff member repeatedly questioned whether they actually held business class tickets, allegedly asking, "Are you sure?" in a mocking tone.

"Dear Vietnam Airlines, This is beyond unacceptable. On 11 May 2026, my family of 3 flew business class on flight VN981 from Hanoi (HAN) to Delhi (DEL). Instead of a premium experience, your ground staff subjected us to blatant discrimination and humiliation. At the aerobridge, your staff blocked us, looked at me with utter disrespect, and stated, 'This is Business Class,' implying we didn't belong. When I replied, “Yes, I know,” he had the audacity to mock me, snapping back with “Really?” and “Are you sure?" the post on X read. 

The doctor claimed the employee's behaviour was derisive and humiliating, leaving his family distressed and embarrassed in front of their young child. He alleged that instead of simply checking their boarding passes, the staff member chose to profile and insult them. 

Dr. Daga further said that when he confronted the employee over the behaviour, the staffer refused to apologise and allegedly responded by saying, “We need to make sure which passenger belongs where.”

Calling the incident an example of racial profiling, the doctor said he had travelled to 36 countries and had never experienced such treatment from any airline before. "I've traveled to 36 countries; Vietnam was my 37th. I have NEVER experienced such vile treatment from any airline. My child actually had to ask why your staff was speaking to us with such disrespect. Your employee is an embarrassment to your national carrier," he added. 

19/05/2026 NDTV

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IndiGo Flight Suffers Bird Hit While Landing at Ahmedabad Airport

Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the city witnessed another bird-hit incident on Sunday afternoon when an IndiGo flight arriving from Delhi suffered a bird strike while attempting to land.

The incident occurred at around 1:30 pm when the aircraft was on its final approach to Ahmedabad airport. According to reports, a loud impact was heard after a bird struck the front portion of the aircraft. As a precautionary measure, the pilot briefly touched down and executed a go-around, taking the aircraft back into the air.

After circling once, the pilot safely landed the aircraft on the second attempt. The incident caused panic among nearly 150 passengers on board, with several passengers seeking information from the cabin crew amid the uncertainty.

The aircraft was subsequently grounded for inspection and repairs. 

19/05/2026 DeshGujarat

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Its technicians on protest, India’s largest aircraft maintenance company hiring inexperienced manpower for critical tasks: Workers’ federation

Mumbai: AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL), India’s largest aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul organisation is engaging inexperienced third-party manpower for safety-critical aircraft maintenance work, alleged a letter sent by the Federation of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (FAME) to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday.

AIESL’s technicians have been protesting across the country since the past one week over blocked resignations and denial of relieving letters and terminations.

FAME alleged that AIESL had hired personnel through third-party contractors for maintenance activities linked to aircraft operated for VVIP movement, Indian Air Force operations and DRDO-related work. “The engagement of inexperienced manpower for the maintenance … represents a grave and unacceptable risk to aviation safety,” said the letter sent by FAME, an advocacy platform for aircraft maintenance engineers.

It sought immediate DGCA intervention, including a high-level inquiry into the engagement of third-party manpower, examination of safety compliance and protection of employees’ professional rights. Employees alleged the third-party personnel were assigned tasks while licensed aircraft maintenance engineers retained signing authority for the work carried out.

According to protesting employees, in the past few months about 180 technicians resigned from AIESL, but their resignations were cancelled by the management.

“The unrest began on May 13 when a technician in AIESL Nagpur on his last working day after completion of 3 months’ notice period approached management for his relieving documents and was refused,” said Prashant Kumar, a senior aircraft technician with AIESL. Four technicians, who had resigned, then sat outside the general manager’s office in Nagpur demanding the documents and the next day similar protests spread to AIESL stations across the country, he added.

“They’re treating us like bonded labourers,” said Kumar. He claimed around 3,500 personnel participated in demonstrations outside general managers’ offices from May 14 onwards. Kumar added that instead of addressing the issues, AIESL issued termination letters to him and a few other senior technicians last week. These were the technicians who had not resigned.

19/05/2026 Times of India

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Boeing Seattle facility faces Air India scrutiny

 Indian aviation officials will travel to Boeing’s Seattle testing center as regulators intensify scrutiny of fuel-control switch systems tied to Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet.

Boeing’s Seattle-area testing operations have emerged as a focal point in an increasingly sensitive international aviation safety investigation involving Air India, Indian regulators, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Concerns over a fuel-control switch panel triggered renewed scrutiny of the aircraft manufacturer.

According to documents reviewed by Reuters, officials from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, are expected to travel to Boeing facilities in the Seattle region in June. They will oversee testing of a fuel-control switch module removed from an Air India Boeing. 787. This follows an incident on a London-Bengaluru flight earlier this year. 

The development places Boeing’s long-established Seattle manufacturing and engineering network at the center of a cross-border regulatory review that now involves Indian, British, and U.S. aviation stakeholders. Seattle has historically served as Boeing’s primary hub for commercial aircraft engineering and testing, including programs tied to the 787 Dreamliner, a wide-body aircraft extensively used on long-haul international routes by airlines including Air India.

The DGCA described the upcoming testing as “sensitive,” according to a March 9 email cited by Reuters, and instructed Air India to ensure the examination at Boeing’s original equipment manufacturer facility is conducted in the presence of Indian aviation officials. 

The investigation stems from a February incident involving an Air India Boeing 787 operating between London and Bengaluru. During engine startup procedures in London, pilots reported that fuel-control switches did not remain fixed in the “run” position during the first two attempts when light pressure was applied, according to previous DGCA statements cited by Reuters. The switches reportedly stabilized during a third attempt, and the flight later continued to India without further operational issues. 

The switch module was later removed and sent to Boeing’s Seattle facility for additional analysis, despite Boeing privately informing Air India that the component was considered “serviceable,” Reuters reported, citing emails and official correspondence. 

19/05/2026  Jayujyoti Mullick/Amarican Bazaar

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Akasa Air and Accommodations Plus International (API) Partner to Elevate Crew Accommodation Experience

 Accommodations Plus International (API), a global leader in crew accommodations technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, to automate, modernize, and elevate crew accommodation experience across its expanding domestic and international network.

The partnership brings together Akasa Air’s rapid growth trajectory and people-first philosophy with API’s deep expertise in crew accommodations technology and automation. Together, the two organizations aim to enhance operational efficiency while delivering seamless and reliable accommodation experience for flight and cabin crew.

Through this collaboration, API will implement its fully integrated, end-to-end crew accommodations technology platform, seamlessly connecting with Akasa Air’s crew and operations systems. The solution will enable real-time automation, improved efficiency, and enhanced transparency across the accommodation’s lifecycle, supporting both operational performance and crew wellbeing.

API’s technology provides a fully automated procure-to-pay solution, streamlining hotel sourcing, booking, communication, and payment processes. The scalable platform is designed to support airlines through periods of rapid expansion while ensuring consistency, reliability, and comfort for crew members, an increasingly critical requirement as networks grow in size and complexity.

19/05/2026 Airport Industry News

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BJD MP Sasmit Patra demands upgradation of Rangeilunda airstrip to 'Brahmapur Airport'

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra on Tuesday met Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and submitted a proposal that the existing Rangeilunda airstrip in Ganjam district be developed into a full-fledged commercial airport to be designated as 'Brahmapur Airport'.

In a letter to the Civil Aviation Minister, Sasmit Patra said he has raised the demand for upgradation of Rangeilunda airstrip on several occasions in Parliament, and has been a 'long-standing aspiration' of the people of Southern Odisha.

He said that the 'citizens from this entire region continue to depend largely upon Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam for commercial air connectivity, resulting in avoidable logistical and developmental disadvantages.'

Citing raising the matter in Parliament, he stated that on February 8, 2025, he raised a Parliamentary Question regarding the establishment of a Greenfield Airport at Rangeilunda in Ganjam district. He said that in response, 'the Ministry clarified that a formal proposal process under the Greenfield Airports Policy would be required for further consideration. Thereafter, during discussions in March 2025 concerning aviation and infrastructure development in Odisha, urged the Government to expedite airport infrastructure projects across the State, specifically highlighting the urgent need for development of Rangeilunda alongside other regional airport projects.'

19/05/2026 ANI/India's News.Net

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Woman employed at airport food joint arrested for hiding 3 kg of gold bars in socks

Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a woman employed in an eatery at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after recovering 3 kg of gold bars worth around Rs 5 crore concealed in her socks on Tuesday.

Recently, the Centre increased import duty on gold to 15%, comprising a basic customs duty of 10% and an agriculture infrastructure and development cess of 5%. As a result the price of gold has shot up, leading to fears of increased smuggling activity.

The woman, identified by officials as Shaheen Shaikh, worked at an eatery in the airport’s departure area. DRI officers said they had received intelligence inputs indicating an active gold smuggling syndicate using insider assistance at the airport.

Shaikh admitted that she had received the contraband from an unidentified transit passenger and was to hand it over to a recipient carrying a token as verification.

19/05/2026 Ahmed Ali/Times of India

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AAIB suggests formal framework for collaboration involving itself, DGCA, defence authorities

New Delhi: Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended establishing a formal framework for collaboration involving the bureau, civil aviation safety regulator DGCA and defence authorities.

This is one of the recommendations made by the AAIB in its final investigation report on the incident where an Air India aircraft and an Indian Navy helicopter came close to each other at the Port Blair airport in February 2024.

"The probable cause of the incident was inadequate assessment of the traffic situation by the approach controller, which resulted in reduced separation and close proximity between the departing aircraft and the overflying helicopter," the report, which has now been made public, said.

The incident, which happened on February 2, 2024, involved Air India's A319 plane operating the flight AIC 788 from Port Blair to Kolkata, while the Indian Navy's helicopter ALH MK III was conducting a training mission in the north-east sector of the local flying area.

After a traffic advisory was triggered, the helicopter performed a right turn to avoid the plane's take-off path. Later, the aircraft proceeded with its planned route while the helicopter discontinued its localiser approach and landed back, as authorised by the approach controller.

In the report, AAIB said no formalised mechanism for the exchange of safety-related information exists between defence authorities, especially the Indian Airforce, Indian Navy, and Indian Army, with AAIB and DGCA.

"Although AAIB has previously issued recommendations on coordination with defence authorities in its investigation reports into the accidents involving VT-MPQ at Gwalior Airport on 06.05.2021 and VT-PTE at Umari on 05.01.2023; these recommendations are yet to be implemented," it said.

Against this backdrop, AAIB said that recommendations from previous investigation reports regarding coordination with defence authorities should be implemented on a priority basis, and a formal framework for collaboration between DGCA/AAIB and defence authorities should be established.

"This will ensure that the regulations are followed for the investigations conducted under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules 2025 and relevant DGCA CAR," the report said.

19/05/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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Supreme Court allows SpiceJet to approach Delhi HC over ₹144 crore deposit as airline invokes government bailout

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed SpiceJet and its Managing Director Ajay Singh to approach the Delhi High Court again in their long-running arbitration dispute with Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways. 

The airline cited a recent government emergency credit line guarantee scheme for the aviation sector in view of the West Asia oil crisis.

A Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said, “We permit the petitioners to approach the High Court on the basis of the subsequent developments, such as the governmental order dated 5/5/2026.”

The Court further noted that the subsequent development concerned a policy decision relating to emergency credit line guarantees and said that the High Court may consider the request in view of the Section 34 petition being listed for final disposal on July 18.

The matter is rooted in a dispute from 2015, involving the rescue of SpiceJet when it was facing severe financial distress and risked shutting down operations.

Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways were the promoters and majority shareholders of the airline, holding a 58.46 per cent stake. They entered into an agreement with SpiceJet in January 2015, under which they agreed to transfer their entire shareholding to Ajay Singh for a nominal consideration of ₹2.

The transaction was coupled with a broader financial support arrangement involving the issuance of warrants, cumulative redeemable preference shares (CRPS) and an overall funding commitment of about ₹450 crore. Disputes later arose over the performance of reciprocal obligations under the agreement, leading to arbitration.

In July 2018, a three-member arbitral tribunal directed SpiceJet and Ajay Singh to refund ₹308.21 crore to Maran and KAL Airways, along with interest at 12 per cent per annum from November 2015.

Both sides filed challenges under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, while enforcement proceedings were initiated before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.

The High Court eventually directed SpiceJet to deposit ₹579 crore as an interim measure. This was modified in appeal to permit a ₹329 crore bank guarantee and a ₹250 crore cash deposit. In 2019, the ₹250 crore was released to the decree holders and a further ₹58.21 crore was paid from the bank guarantee.

19/05/2026 Bar and Bench

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IndiGo, Spicejet In Focus: Delhi, Maharashtra ATF Tax Cut Could Save Airlines Upto Rs 1,500 Crore, Says HSBC

 A reduction in value-added tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) by Maharashtra and Delhi could offer a meaningful cost reprieve to Indian airlines, according to HSBC, which said the move affects airports accounting for roughly 37% of the country's domestic air traffic.

The brokerage estimates the tax cuts could lower fuel costs by Rs 1,200 crore to Rs 1,500 crore for InterGlobe Aviation, which operates the IndiGo brand. SpiceJet could save Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore, while Air India may see a reduction of Rs 800 crore to Rs 1,000 crore in its fuel bill. Akasa Air could benefit by Rs 200 crore to Rs 300 crore.

Maharashtra has cut VAT on ATF from 18% to 7%, while Delhi has lowered the levy from 25% to 7%. Together, airports in Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi account for more than a third of India's domestic aviation fuel consumption.

HSBC said the lower tax rates could reduce IndiGo's FY27 fuel bill by roughly 4% to 5%, while SpiceJet's fuel costs could decline by around 3% to 5%. The actual benefit may be even larger if airlines are able to optimise refuelling patterns and take on more fuel at lower-tax airports.

19/05/2026 Yukta Baid/NDTV

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SC declines to entertain plea over renaming Navi Mumbai International Airport

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to entertain a plea seeking directions to the Centre to take a time-bound decision on the Maharashtra government’s proposal to rename the Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The Maharashtra government had proposed renaming the airport as ‘Lokneta D B Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport’.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said entertaining the plea would amount to judicial overreach into policymaking.

“This will amount to indulging in policy making,” the bench told counsel appearing for petitioner organisation Prakashjhot Samajik Sanstha.

The top court said it was not inclined to entertain the plea challenging a November 2025 Bombay High Court order dismissing the petition. 

19/05/2026 New Indian Express

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Airlines plead with state-run oil majors to postpone jet fuel hikes

India’s airlines have asked state-run oil refiners to hold off on hiking jet fuel prices for domestic flights until the conflict in the Middle East ends, people familiar with the matter said, in a bid to alleviate their rising cost pressures and mounting losses.

The proposal floated by airlines including Air India Ltd., IndiGo and SpiceJet Ltd. is being considered by the refiners, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. India’s oil and gas ministry is also involved in discussions, and may intervene again as it did in April and May.

A decision is expected before June 1.

So-called aviation turbine fuel prices in India are set by the country’s oil marketing companies, which usually make any revisions on the first day of the month. The price setting has been deregulated for years, but in April — after global oil prices surged due to the Iran conflict — the government limited the most recent jet fuel price hike to 25% and required the oil majors to keep them constant in May.

The state-owned refiners, which include Indian Oil Corp., Hindustan Petroleum Corp. and Bharat Petroleum Corp., are also discussing whether to raise jet fuel prices in June by up to 25% for domestic flights, the people familiar said. They have been selling jet fuel for domestic flights at about 105,000 rupees ($1,090) per kiloliter, incurring a loss of 92,000 rupees per kiloliter, the people added.

19/05/2026  Mihir Mishra and Rakesh Sharma/Bloomberg/Economic Times

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IndiGo Vadodara-Delhi flight loses cabin power before takeoff, passengers left in darkness

Indigo 6E 657 passenger flight travelling from Vadodara to Delhi lost power in its cabin just before take off on May 17, 2026. The flight was scheduled to depart from Vadodara at 8.40 pm with around 160 people aboard the aircraft, when it lost connection to its ground power unit (GPU). The cabin was left pitch black without air conditioning for around 30 minutes.

According to an airport official, the aircraft was relying on the GPU for electrical supply at the time when the system developed a fault. The ground power unit suddenly malfunctioned. A GPU is an external electrical generator that is used to maintain the cabin's electricity, without requiring the aircraft's engine and onboard generator to run. It took engineers 12-15 minutes to fix the technical glitch and 15 more minutes to restore the power of the aircraft.

“During these 30 minutes, there was complete darkness in the cabin, and with the AC also not functioning, the passengers were sweating badly,” said an aircraft official.

The flight was delayed by nearly 1 hour and 20 minutes, according to data from flightradar.com. The flight was originally scheduled for departure at 8.40 pm, but it took off at around 10 am. An IndiGo Airlines spokesperson confirmed the delay was due to a technical snag and expressed regret for the passenger's discomfort. 

19/05/2026 WION

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