How UDAN 2.0 provides stability to airlines regional network

As the war in West Asia smoulders on, the Indian aviation sector is feeling the pinch. The Federation of Indian Airlines has written to the government that operations are becoming unsustainable due to rising aviation fuel prices and need immediate remedies for them to maintain their network.

However, one segment of the industry remains hopeful, that is regional aviation. This is because of the modified UDAN scheme announced by the central government last month.

Among other measures, it has increased the viability gap funding (VGF) period. Also, the government will support airport operation and maintenance costs for three years at some airports to aid early-stage traffic.

It has allocated Rs 28,840 crore to connect 120 new destinations and cater to 40 million passengers over the next 10 years. The new scheme transitions from a connectivity-first model to an ecosystem-driven approach focusing on developing aviation infrastructure.

“The modified UDAN framework provides greater stability for airlines to build and maintain regional connectivity” Manoj Chacko MD & CEO, FLY91.

The reinvention comes at a time when the West Asia conflict has badly impacted the aviation sector, with domestic airlines expected to post huge losses in FY26 due to the adverse operational environment. Higher ATF prices and capacity reduction are adding to their woes.

29/04/2026 Richa Sharma/Business Today

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Will a modified UDAN scheme help Indian aviation reach its full potential?

The government launched its flagship regional connectivity scheme (RCS)—Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN)—in 2016. The ambition? What the name says. Making flights accessible and affordable for the common man.

The first phase of the scheme, ending this year, ensured regional connectivity to unserved destinations. In the last 10 years, 92 unserved and underserved airports were operationalised under the scheme, of which 14 are now non-operational, with the government footing the Rs 900 crore bill on their maintenance. Half the routes have been discontinued and only a quarter remain self-sustainable at the end of the three-year subsidy period.

UDAN airports now account for 58% share of airports in India. However, these typically have limited flight operations. Despite expansion, UDAN airports contributed a relatively small share to domestic passenger traffic in 2024-25—a mere 2-3%—according to Crisil Intelligence.

Taking into consideration the hurdles, and to address the route sustainability issues, the government announced a modified UDAN earlier this year. Among other measures, it has increased the viability gap funding (VGF) period from three years. Also, the government will support airport operation and maintenance costs for three years at some airports to aid early-stage traffic. It has allocated Rs 28,840 crore to connect 120 new destinations and cater to 40 million passengers over the next 10 years. The new scheme transitions from a connectivity-first model to an ecosystem-driven approach focusing on developing aviation infrastructure.

Captain Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of regional air carrier Star Air, says the modified UDAN framework marks a shift from simply connecting cities to integrating India’s most remote geographies into the national aviation network.

Pushan Sharma, Director, Crisil Intelligence, says UDAN 2.0 marks a pivotal shift in India’s regional aviation strategy, moving beyond the initial goal of expanding connectivity to focus on the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO of another regional airline, FLY91, says the modified UDAN framework, with its more structured and sustained support mechanism, provides airlines greater stability to build regional connectivity.

30/04/2026 Richa Sharma/Business Today

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Bhubaneswar to Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Ujjain… Odisha govt approves 10 new flight routes

The Odisha government has reportedly approved 10 new flight routes to strengthen regional air connectivity and promote tourism across the state. The decision was taken at a high-level committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, with officials noting that the routes are likely to be operated by Star Air using smaller aircraft.

The move reportedly aims to enhance connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with key cities while improving access to emerging regional centres. Officials said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to decentralise air services and expand aviation infrastructure in Odisha.

According to Construction World, the proposed routes will link Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Puri, Kolkata and Ujjain. Alongside route expansion, the committee reviewed plans to upgrade airstrips at Satibhata, Jamadarpalli, Raisuan, Amarda Road and Gotma to support scheduled flight operations.

Officials also highlighted the need to improve ground infrastructure and expand facilities at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to handle increased regional traffic.

The state cabinet had earlier approved the Rs 4,182 crore Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) scheme for 2025-30 to boost aviation infrastructure. Over Rs 500 crore has been allocated specifically for airstrip development under the programme.

Plans include setting up heliports in districts lacking air connectivity, such as Nabarangpur and Phulbani, and at Taratarini, along with upgrades to existing regional airports including Jeypore and Tusura.

30/04/2026 Pragyan Paramita/Odishatv

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Air India Express expected to post FY26 loss of around ₹3,500 cr

Tata Group-owned low-cost carrier Air India Express is expected to report a loss of around ₹3,500 crore for FY26, industry insiders familiar with the matter told businessline.

However, when approached for comment, Air India Express did not respond.

According to sources, the Board of Air India Express is expected to review the financial performance and broader business strategy during its scheduled meeting on April 30.

After the review, these numbers will be presented to the Air India Board on May 7.

Notably, the airline had reported an estimated loss of around ₹5,000 crore in FY25.

Speaking to businessline, sources indicated that losses are estimated to have declined by nearly 35 per cent year-on-year, driven by stronger revenue growth and tighter cost management measures.

The reported loss represents a reduction of at least ₹2,000 crore in annual losses.

Nonetheless, elevated aviation turbine fuel prices, rupee depreciation, and increased operating expenditure across multiple segments continued to weigh on margins.

Meanwhile, continued geopolitical instability in West Asia during the second half of the fiscal disrupted operations and increased costs linked to route diversions and longer flying durations.

The airline’s Middle East operations were especially hit. The airline is India’s largest operator of flights to the region.

Revenue is understood to have risen by nearly 18 per cent during the fiscal, driven by sustained passenger demand, network expansion, and improved utilisation across domestic and international operations.

29/04/2026 Rohit Vaid/Business Line

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Domestic air traffic rises to 4.37 crore in Q1; over 1.21 lakh hit by flight delays in March

Domestic air traffic saw modest growth in the first quarter of 2026, even as flight delays affected over 1.21 lakh passengers in March, according to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday.

Indian airlines carried 4.37 crore passengers on domestic routes between January and March 2026, up slightly from 4.31 crore in the same period last year, an annual growth of 1.23 per cent. However, on a monthly basis, traffic declined marginally by 0.87 per cent.

In March alone, passenger traffic rose to 1.44 crore from 1.41 crore in February, but remained below the 1.45 crore recorded in March 2025.

Market share trends showed IndiGo strengthening its dominance, increasing its share to 63.3 per cent in March from 63.1 per cent in February. The Air India Group saw its share fall to 26.2 per cent from 27 per cent. Akasa Air and Alliance Air recorded gains, with shares rising to 5.4 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, SpiceJet’s share declined to 3.8 per cent, and Fly91 remained unchanged at 0.2 per cent.

"Passengers carried by domestic airlines during January - March 2026 were 437.31 lakhs as against 431.98 lakhs during the corresponding period of the previous year, thereby registering an annual growth of 1.23 per cent and a monthly growth of -0.87 per cent," DGCA said in its monthly report.

On operational performance, IndiGo led in on-time performance (OTP) at 88.7 per cent, followed by Akasa Air (82.6 per cent), Air India Group (78 per cent), Alliance Air (62.9 per cent) and SpiceJet (43 per cent). OTP was measured across ten major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.

29/04/2026 New Indian Express

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Varanasi to London via Delhi from June 1: India's 'hub and spoke aviation model' gets SOP

A passenger in Varanasi will soon be able to board a flight to Delhi and connect seamlessly to London, with immigration cleared at departure and baggage transferred without stepping out of the airside. That is the promise of India's Hub-and-Spoke aviation model, and Air India is expected to begin its first trials from Varanasi airport on June 1.

The civil aviation ministry has issued a Standard Operating Procedure to operationalise the model, which is designed to connect passengers from smaller spoke airports to international destinations through larger hub airports, smoothly and without the friction that currently makes such journeys cumbersome.

Under the Hub and Spoke framework, Domestic to International and International to Domestic operations will be streamlined for passengers, covering immigration, customs and baggage transfers. The SOP, dated April 27, makes the process clear: "Immigration and Customs clearance to the passengers would be carried out at the first port of departure and last port of arrival with airside baggage transfer at hub airport."

Passengers on Hub and Spoke flights will receive two boarding passes — one marked 'I' for international and one marked 'D' for domestic — to allow easy identification and segregation of traffic at hub airports.

30/04/2026 Business Today

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IndiGo flight lands in Guangzhou as airline resumes direct India-China services

An IndiGo flight from Delhi successfully reached Guangzhou on Tuesday, marking the resumption of direct flight services between India and China by the airline.

The arrival of the flight in China signifies the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two nations by the carrier. Following the resumption of these services, the Delhi-Guangzhou route is expected to facilitate easier travel for passengers.

This development occurs amid warming bilateral relations between the two neighbours. Parallel to IndiGo's expansion, Air China has resumed Beijing-Delhi flight services, providing a major boost to air connectivity.

According to a report by the Global Times, the Air China service will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Economy class fares start from approximately USD 523 (3,570 yuan), with flights departing Beijing at 3:15 pm and arriving in Delhi at 8:20 pm local time.

30/04/2026 ANI/ET Travel World

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Indian Airlines To Resume Full Operations To Doha From May 1

New Delhi: India's leading airlines are preparing to restore full-scale operations at Hamad International Airport from May 1, marking a significant step towards normalisation of air connectivity in the region.

The resumption comes exactly two months after a joint US-Israeli military offensive launched on February 28 targeting Iranian leadership and nuclear facilities. This escalated into a broader regional conflict.

Three major Indian carriers -- Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo -- are expected to lead the resumption, reconnecting Doha with several key Indian metropolitan cities and regional hubs.

"Indian carriers plan to resume operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha, as flight operations continue to expand. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and various destinations in India starting May 1, 2026," the Embassy of India in Doha said in a post on X.

The Embassy highlighted that the move is part of a coordinated effort involving global aviation authorities working to stabilise operations in the region.

At the same time, it cautioned that flight schedules remain subject to ongoing coordination, underscoring the still-fragile security environment.

30/04/2026 NDTV World

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Nepal Airlines shows J&K as part of Pakistan in map, apologises after backlash

State-owned carrier Nepal Airlines has come under fire for a recent post that shows the entire Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan on its "network map". After global backlash, the airlines issued an apology for the incorrect map of India within 24 hours, calling it a "cartographic inaccuracy".

The controversy erupted on Wednesday after the airline's social media handle shared a route map in which the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as part of Pakistan's territory. The image didn't take time to go viral on X and Facebook, drawing flak from Indian users.

Soon, the hashtag #BoycottNepalAirlines began trending, with users urging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Aviation Ministry to lodge a diplomatic protest with Nepal.

30/04/2026 India Today

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Air India pilot dies of heart attack in Bali

NEW DELHI: An Air India pilot passed away on Wednesday at Bali due to a heart attack. The first officer, who was nearly 40 years old, operated a flight from Delhi to Bali on Tuesday, according to an airline official.

Confirming the incident, an Air India spokesperson said in a statement, “The First Officer was on scheduled crew rest in Bali when he complained of severe discomfort at his hotel. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with having suffered a heart attack. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he could not be saved.”

Air India is in close contact with the family and is extending all possible support during this time of grief, the airline said adding it was deeply saddened by the passing away of its cockpit crew member.

An airline source said that the pilot held a valid Class I medical certification and had completed all mandatory medical examinations in accordance with regulatory requirements a few months ago.

29/04/2026 New Indian Express

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Fit to Fly? Air India Pilot’s Sudden Death in Bali Raises Questions Over Undetected Cardiac Risks

New Delhi: An Air India first officer died after suffering a heart attack during a scheduled layover in Bali, Indonesia, triggering renewed discussion around hidden cardiac risks among aviation professionals despite stringent medical screening norms.

The pilot, believed to be around 40 years old, had operated a Delhi-Bali flight on Tuesday and was on mandatory crew rest in Bali when the incident occurred, airline officials said.

According to Air India, the pilot complained of severe discomfort while at his hotel during the layover. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a heart attack. Despite medical intervention, he could not be saved.

A pilot with no known heart disease history suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a layover, highlighting that heart attacks can strike without warning. Young individuals may also have undiagnosed coronary artery disease. Factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and chronic stress can silently harm the cardiovascular system, complicating early detection despite regular health check-ups.

Airline sources said the first officer had recently completed all mandatory medical examinations as required under aviation regulations and had no known pre-existing medical condition. Officials further stated that he had been operating within the flying-hour limits prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

High-stress professions like aviation expose professionals to cardiovascular risks due to irregular sleep patterns, long hours, and frequent time zone changes. Studies show chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation correlate with heart disease. Pilots' demands can obscure early signs of health issues, and cumulative stress over time, even within regulated hours, can negatively affect heart health.

The incident has once again put the spotlight on cardiovascular health concerns and occupational stress within the aviation sector, particularly among pilots handling long-haul and international operations. 

30/04/2026 Melvin Narayan/Republic

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Testing time for Air India’s Pune-bound flyers

Pune: Around 100 passengers set to fly from Delhi to Pune on an Air India flight late night on Tuesday sat inside a stalled aircraft amid the sweltering heat, deboarded and boarded again, before sitting cooped up for long yet again until the aircraft finally started to taxi three hours later.

The flight (AI-2609) was to take off from the national capital at 11.50pm and land in Pune at 2.05am on Wednesday. Additionally, the cabin crew provided little to no information adding to the frustration and stress of the passengers.

Wakad resident Rohit Raj, who was on the flight, said there was an initial delay and the boarding was complete by 11.40pm. "The

pilots entered the cockpit around 11.50pm and then one of them left to check the aircraft. Around 45 minutes later, one of the pilots announced there was a technical problem and also food for passengers had gone bad due to the heat. We kept sitting in the heat as the AC wasn't working properly. Soon many flyers lost their cool on the overall inconvenience," he said.

Raj said all passengers were deboarded around 12.55am and taken to the terminal building. Around 2am the boarding started again. The same was completed by 2.30am and we thought that the

flight would take off. Fortunately, this time, the air conditioning was working fine," he added.

Around 3.15am, the aircraft finally took off. We landed in Pune around 5am," Raj told TOI.

30/04/2026 Joy Sengupta/Times of India

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Day after airlines' SOS to govt, Air India flight makes unscheduled landing after mid-air fuel scare

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar made an unscheduled landing in Jaipur on Wednesday after concerns emerged over fuel availability during the journey, though the airline attributed the diversion to adverse weather conditions.

The incident involved flight IX-1057, which had departed from Delhi and was headed to Bhubaneswar when the diversion decision was taken.

According to initial information, the aircraft was rerouted to Jaipur as a precautionary measure after fuel-related concerns were identified mid-flight.

The pilot subsequently opted to land at Jaipur airport safely.

However, Air India Express denied reports linking the diversion to a fuel shortage and said the flight was diverted because of weather conditions on the route.

“Due to adverse weather conditions en route to Bhubaneswar, one of our flights from Delhi was diverted briefly to Jaipur,” an airline spokesperson said.

“When the weather improved, the flight resumed its operations to Bhubaneswar,” the spokesperson added.

29/04/2026 National Herald

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Air India backs Modi’s hub-and-spoke vision, plans international routes from Varanasi

Air India on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'hub-and-spoke' push to develop India into a global aviation hub, while announcing plans to launch international routes from Varanasi under the proposed hub-and-spoke model. 

Tata Group-owned airline's CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson described the government’s initiative as a 'transformative step' for the aviation sector, saying it would strengthen connectivity and enable optimal use of airport infrastructure across the country.

“This is a transformative step for Indian aviation. We would like to thank Prime Minister for his vision, to make India a global aviation hub and develop the entire aviation ecosystem," he stated.

He credited PM Modi’s vision for driving the development of a comprehensive aviation ecosystem and boosting India’s position in global air travel.

Wilson also acknowledged the role of the Civil Aviation Ministry and senior officials in advancing the hub-and-spoke framework and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure operational readiness, passenger convenience and security.

As part of its expansion strategy aligned with the model, Air India is preparing to introduce international connectivity from Varanasi, aiming to improve access for travellers from eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions.

29/04/2026 IANS/Mid Day

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Patna Airport Disrupted: Air India, IndiGo Flights Rerouted Amid Storm

Patna: Flight operations at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport were severely disrupted on Wednesday evening after a sudden spell of strong winds, rain and poor visibility forced multiple diversions and delays.

An Air India flight (AI-1746) from Delhi to Patna was diverted to Varanasi after being unable to land due to adverse weather conditions.

The aircraft had departed on schedule at 5.45pm but was forced to circle for nearly 45 minutes over Patna before air traffic control denied landing clearance on safety grounds.

Similarly, an IndiGo flight (6E-895) from Kolkata was diverted to Lucknow due to hazardous landing conditions.

Several other flights also experienced delays of around an hour, including services operated by SpiceJet from Mumbai, IndiGo from Delhi and Air India Express from Bengaluru.

Officials said persistent rainfall and gusty winds reduced visibility and made landing unsafe for incoming aircraft.

Passengers faced long waits both in the air and at the airport, with those onboard diverted flights experiencing extended travel times and uncertainty.

30/04/2026 Patna Press

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FIR against 2 for endangering flight safety at Mopa

Mapusa: The Mopa airport police have registered two separate FIRs involving passengers for endangering flight safety and carrying prohibited electronic equipment at the Manohar International Airport (MIA).

In the first incident, 22-year-old Sidhant Herle, a resident of Sangli, Maharashtra, was booked for a mid-air scare aboard Indigo flight 6E-2271 from Delhi to Goa on April 27. According to the complaint filed by Indigo’s security manager, Herle, seated at 18A, allegedly opened the safety cover of the emergency exit door while the aircraft was in flight, jeopardising the lives of fellow passengers and crew. He has been charged under Section 125 of the BNS 2023 for acts endangering life or personal safety.

In a another case on April 28, airport security intercepted 35-year-old Madhev Varak, a native of Sattari, during pre-boarding screening for a Hyderabad-bound Indigo flight. Security personnel detected an unauthorised GPS device in Varak’s handbag. As the passenger failed to produce a valid license for the prohibited device, he was booked under Section 3 read with Section 6 (1A) of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act. 

30/04/2026 Times of India

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Second airport in south Bengaluru, confirms DK Shivakumar

India's tech capital's second airport will come up in south Bengaluru, Karnataka deputy CM and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed at Network18 Future of Work Summit.

Moneycontrol reported on March 19 that Chudahalli and Somanahalli on Kanakapura Road, along with a site on Nelamangala-Kunigal Road, have been shortlisted for the city’s second airport.

Shivakumar’s statement indicates that the two locations on Kanakapura Road in south Bengaluru are frontrunners, even as the state government maintains that a final decision has not yet been taken.

On the proposed AI City, Shivakumar said state cabinet is expected to take up the proposal on April 30. “We have already identified 9,000 acres of land. Discussions have begun, including with international stakeholders. The idea is to develop a city within close proximity to Bengaluru, ideally within 30 minutes of travel, given the importance of traffic and connectivity,” he said.

He said that planned AI City would have residential and commercial zones, supported by robust infrastructure, including roads, power, water supply, and green cover. “We want to bring AI and related industries into one dedicated location with world-class facilities,” he said.

29/04/2026 Moneycontrol

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IndiGo launches CarGo operations between Kunming and Kolkata; Inaugural ceremony held at Kunming Changshui International Airport

IndiGo has successfully launched the regular all-cargo flight between Kolkata and Kunming on 20 April 2026, with its inaugural ceremony held at Kunming Changshui International Airport. This thrice-weekly flight is operated by the airline’s A321F freighter. On the inaugural flight day, the inbound cargo consisted of 9 tons of high-quality crabs from India, while the outbound cargo was approximately 21.4 tons of general goods. The opening of this new route will significantly enhance the air logistics capacity between southwest China and eastern India, providing strong support for the rapid flow of fresh produce, cross-border e-commerce parcels, and various general commodities between the two regions.

At the inaugural ceremony, representatives from relevant entities, including the Consulate General of India in Guangzhou, Yunnan Airport Group, as well as the Provincial Department of Transportation, the Provincial Department of Commerce, the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Kunming Entry-Exit Border Checkpoint, Kunming Changshui Airport Customs, and China Eastern Airlines Yunnan Co., Ltd., attended the event jointly and witnessed this important occasion.

It is understood that Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India and a metrocity in eastern India, serves as a key node for economic, trade and cultural exchanges between Yunnan and India. As a gateway hub for opening up in southwest China, Kunming is fully committed to building itself into a distribution centre facing South and Southeast Asia. The resumption of passenger flights and inauguration of cargo services on the Kunming-Kolkata route this time have forged an air corridor featuring “simultaneous passenger and cargo transportation with two-way unimpeded flow”. This is not only an important measure for Yunnan to optimise its air network layout, but also a concrete practice to deepen practical bilateral cooperation between Yunnan and India.

29/04/2026 Payload Asia

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Air India may unbundle meals on domestic and short international flights; lounge access for business flyers

New Delhi: Full service Air India is planning to make meals optional on its domestic and short international (under two hour) flights. Once this “unbundling” rolls out in the next month or two, passengers opting out of meals could have upwards of Rs 250 shaved off their ticket price. While this move, say people in the know, is “on the anvil,” the airline is looking at several other unprecedented measures to fly through the severe cost-revenue turbulence caused by the unending West Asia war.

While not opting for meals could lead to slightly cheaper economy tickets, AI is looking at unbundling lounge access for business class passengers because those opting out of this, could get their tickets cheaper. On an average, lounge operators charge Rs 1,100-1,400 per user at metro airports and Rs 600-700 at non metros. The average spend is about Rs 1,000 per lounge. Many business class flyers are frequent travellers who just make it to airports in time for their flight and do not head to the lounge. If unbundled, this could be a saving in their ticket cost. 

Almost all narrow body aircraft being delivered to AI group will be sent to AI Express fleet for lower cost and more revenue as these single class planes have more seats and don’t offer lounge access and free meals. To increase revenue, the group is looking at having ads behind the boarding cards of Air India Express flights — AI boarding cards have the same already.

30/04/2026 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Chaos at Mumbai Airport after SpiceJet flight delays

Hundreds of passengers faced long delays and cancellations on multiple SpiceJet flights departing from Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 on Wednesday night and early Thursday, leaving many stranded through the night, a report by The Times of India said.

Several late-night services to Bengaluru, Delhi and Ahmedabad were either significantly delayed or called off, while a daytime flight to Gorakhpur was also cancelled, the TOI report further read.

One of the worst affected was a red-eye Mumbai to Bengaluru flight that departed nearly nine hours behind schedule. Other flights, including those bound for Delhi and Bengaluru, were first delayed and later cancelled, adding to passenger frustration.

Flight SG 874, scheduled to depart at 1.55 am, saw passengers waiting at the airport from around midnight as departure timings kept shifting. By morning, many were still stranded at the terminal.

Scenes of confusion and anger were reported from the airport, with some passengers seen arguing with airline staff as delays stretched for hours.

Among other disruptions, the 4.35 pm SG 880 flight to Ahmedabad was cancelled, while SG 696, originally scheduled for a 2.20 am departure, took off at 5.17 am and later departed at 10.46 am, roughly nine hours late, according to Cirium data.

In a statement, SpiceJet said three flights from Mumbai, SG 631 to Delhi, SG 553 to Gorakhpur and SG 669 to Bengaluru, were cancelled on April 29 due to operational reasons. These included the grounding of an aircraft and adverse weather at Bagdogra, which impacted crew duty limits. 

30/04/2026 Moneycontrol

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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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