Air India Flight Suffers Bird Strike During Landing at Raipur, Aircraft Grounded for Inspection

Raipur: An Air India flight arriving from Delhi suffered a bird strike while landing at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur on Wednesday morning, but landed safely without any injuries to passengers or crew.

According to airport authorities, the bird hit occurred during the final phase of landing. The aircraft completed the landing safely and taxied to the terminal normally. Airport officials confirmed that all passengers and crew members disembarked without incident.

"The aircraft landed safely despite the bird strike. Standard inspection procedures have been initiated," an airport official said.

The extent of damage to the aircraft was not immediately known. Air India engineering teams were expected to carry out a detailed inspection before the aircraft is cleared for further operations. As per standard aviation safety procedures, aircraft involved in bird-strike incidents are subjected to thorough checks, particularly of engines, fuselage and leading-edge structures.

Air India has not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident. Flight operations at Raipur airport were reported to be normal following the occurrence.

The incident comes amid continued efforts by airports across the country to strengthen bird-hazard management programmes around airfields to reduce the risk of wildlife strikes.

17/06/2026

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AI Express flight from Kannur to Jeddah returns due to engine fault

An Air India Express flight bound to Jeddah from Kannur returned within two hours of the flight on Tuesday due to a fault in the aircraft's engine, airport sources said.

The aircraft with over 180 passengers took off at 7.40 am from Kannur airport, but around two hours into the flight, the pilots saw an engine warning light and decided to return, the sources said.

"The flight landed safely in Kannur, and all the passengers are fine," they said.

A subsequent check of the aircraft found that there was something wrong with the fuel filter, they said.

The aircraft circled the airport for some time to reduce fuel before landing, they added.

An airline spokesperson said the crew of the flight decided to return as a precautionary measure following a technical issue.

17/06/2026 Economic Times

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Blue Dart Celebrates 30 Years of Aviation Operations, Highlights Role in India's Express Cargo Network

 Mumbai: Blue Dart has marked 30 years of aviation operations, underscoring the role of its dedicated cargo airline in building one of India's largest time-definite express logistics networks. The company said its aviation arm has been a key driver of speed, reliability and nationwide connectivity since launching operations in 1996.

According to the company, Blue Dart Aviation has operated more than 215,000 flights and transported over 2.05 million tonnes of air cargo during the past three decades. The network has supported critical sectors including pharmaceuticals, banking and financial services, manufacturing, automobiles, e-commerce and small and medium enterprises.

Blue Dart said its air cargo operations played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, transporting vaccines, personal protective equipment and other essential supplies across the country, helping maintain supply chain continuity during a period of unprecedented disruption.

"Blue Dart's aviation capability has been a key enabler of our time-definite delivery promise, supporting next-day and under-24-hour delivery commitments across India," said Balfour Manuel, Managing Director of Blue Dart Express Ltd. He added that the aviation network has strengthened the speed, reliability and certainty associated with the Blue Dart brand while connecting businesses and communities across the country.

Capt. Nikhil B. Ved, Managing Director of Blue Dart Aviation Ltd., described the anniversary as a significant milestone in the company's journey. He said the achievement reflected three decades of operational excellence, safety, collaboration and customer focus, as well as the contributions of employees, regulators, airport operators and service partners.

Blue Dart Aviation was incorporated in 1994 and launched operations on June 17, 1996, with two Boeing 737 freighters, becoming India's first domestic cargo airline. Over the years, the carrier expanded its fleet and network to support the growing demands of India's express logistics market.

Today, Blue Dart operates a fleet of eight dedicated freighters, comprising Boeing 757 and Boeing 737 aircraft, which form the backbone of its overnight express delivery network across India.

17/06/2026

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Hong Kong Air Cargo selects Aeroprime as it targets India growth

Hong Kong Air Cargo has appointed Aeroprime as its GSSA in India as it looks to expand its presence in the fast-growing cargo market.

Under the agreement, Aeroprime will be responsible for cargo sales, marketing, customer engagement, and business development activities for the airline’s services to and from Delhi.

The two companies said that the partnership would help support Indian exporters and freight forwarders.

The GSA said that trade between India and East Asia continues to witness robust growth, particularly across sectors such as electronics, telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, fashion, perishables, and e-commerce shipments.

Hong Kong Air Cargo vice president, commercial, Raymond Chen, said: “India remains a strategically important market for Hong Kong Air Cargo. Delhi, in particular, serves as a major gateway for high-value and time-sensitive shipments.”

Abhishek Goyal, executive director and chief executive of Aeroprime Group, added: “Hong Kong remains one of the most important air cargo hubs globally, offering seamless access to major manufacturing, trading, and consumption markets.

“This partnership reflects our continued commitment to delivering value-driven cargo solutions to the logistics community while supporting Hong Kong Air Cargo’s growth ambitions in India.”

17/06/2026 Damian Brett/Aircargo News

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Spain's FlyBy Aviation Academy and WeMakeScholars Sign Strategic Partnership for India

FlyBy Aviation Academy, one of Spain's largest EASA-approved flight training organisations, is delighted to announce the signing of a strategic partnership with WeMakeScholars, India’s leading platform for education financing and scholarships. 

This protocol marks an important milestone in FlyBy’s long-term commitment to the Indian market — a strategic territory for the Academy, which already operates a dedicated training pathway for Indian cadets through its Indian DGCA programme. This programme is designed to deliver an Indian DGCA-compliant Commercial Pilot Licence supported by world-class European training standards and an EASA license, allowing graduates to hold both EASA and DGCA pilot licenses.  

Through this partnership, Indian students enrolling at FlyBy Aviation Academy will gain privileged access to WeMakeScholars’ full suite of education finance services, removing one of the most significant barriers faced by aspiring pilots: funding their training. 

17/06/2026 AFM

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Noida Airport Expands Operations with First Cargo Flight from Chennai

Noida: Just two days after commencing commercial passenger services, Noida International Airport (NIA) marked another significant milestone on Wednesday by launching cargo operations with the arrival of its first dedicated freight flight from Chennai. The development strengthens the airport's ambitions of emerging as a major logistics and aviation hub for North India.

The inaugural cargo service was operated by Afcom Cargo using a Boeing 737-800 freighter on the Chennai–Noida route. The aircraft, carrying domestic e-commerce and general freight consignments, was welcomed at the airport's cargo terminal with a traditional water-cannon salute.

The launch comes shortly after NIA began commercial passenger operations on June 15, when the first scheduled passenger flights started operating from the greenfield airport at Jewar. Airport officials described the commencement of cargo services as a crucial step in establishing a dual-role passenger and freight gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to airport authorities, the inaugural flight serves as a live demonstration of the airport's cargo readiness and operational capabilities. The airport's cargo ecosystem has been developed by Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS), which has created an integrated cargo terminal designed to handle both domestic and international freight. The facility is supported by multimodal road and rail connectivity, warehousing infrastructure and digital cargo processing systems.

Industry observers believe the launch of cargo operations will help decongest existing freight facilities in the Delhi-NCR region while providing exporters, manufacturers and e-commerce companies with an additional logistics gateway. The airport's strategic location near major industrial clusters in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi is expected to boost air cargo volumes in the coming years.

17/06/2026

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Hindon loses 16 routes as Jewar airport emerges as NCR's new aviation hub: RTI

As Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar opens its doors to commercial flights and ushers the National Capital Region (NCR) into the era of dual airports, the region's first attempt at creating an alternative aviation hub is quietly losing ground. An RTI response accessed by India Today reveals that Hindon Airport, launched with much fanfare under the Centre's UDAN scheme, has lost at least 16 routes as airlines steadily scale back operations.

In March 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the civilian terminal at the Indian Air Force's Hindon airbase under the Centre's flagship UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. Located in Ghaziabad, Hindon was envisioned as a low-cost airport aimed at improving regional connectivity and easing the burden on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

More than seven years later, however, the airport is grappling with shrinking connectivity and a steady decline in traffic.

Information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act shows that at least 16 routes have been discontinued from Hindon. Air India Express and IndiGo have withdrawn services to several cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Kolkata, Patna, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ahmedabad and Indore.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) attributed most of the route suspensions to "operational reasons", while Air India Express's Mumbai and Bengaluru services ended following a "cessation of operations".

17/06/2026 Ashok Upadhyay/India Today

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Why Guwahati airport is ranked among world’s most beautiful airports in 2026

Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has been recognised among the world’s most beautiful airports for 2026 by the prestigious Prix Versailles awards.

What makes the airport stand out is that it does not simply look modern. It tells a story - one rooted in Assam’s landscapes, culture and natural heritage. Here’s what makes this airport a treat to the eyes.

Blending Assam’s ecological heritage with modern design

The new terminal at Guwahati airport has been designed as a gateway to the Northeast, with architecture that draws inspiration from the region’s biodiversity and traditions.

Unlike conventional airport designs that often look similar across countries, the terminal aims to give travellers a sense of place from the moment they arrive.

The design incorporates elements inspired by Assam’s natural surroundings, including bamboo, orchids and the region’s rich ecological heritage.

The idea is simple: an airport should not just connect people to a destination; it should introduce them to it.

17/06/2026 First Post

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Two Indian Airports Among World's Most Beautiful in 2026

Two Indian airports have earned a place on the prestigious World's Most Beautiful Airports 2026 list released by Prix Versailles, a global architecture and design award presented annually at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The recognition highlights India's growing prominence in airport design, sustainability and passenger experience.

The two Indian facilities featured on the list are Terminal 2 of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati and Terminal 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. They were selected alongside airports in China, Germany, Cambodia and the United States.

According to Prix Versailles, the awards recognise airports that combine architectural excellence, innovation, sustainability and a strong sense of local identity. The 2026 list comprises seven airports and terminals from around the world that have redefined the passenger experience through design.

Guwahati's Terminal 2 drew praise for its design inspired by Assam's natural and cultural heritage. The terminal incorporates bamboo and orchid motifs, with flowing ceiling patterns and green spaces intended to reflect the region's landscape and traditions.

Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is preparing to commence international operations, was recognised for its striking lotus-inspired architecture. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the terminal features petal-shaped roof structures and extensive landscaped areas aimed at blending aesthetics with functionality.

Prix Versailles Secretary General Jérôme Gouadain said modern airports have become "inescapable hallmarks" of their regions and eras, serving not only as transport infrastructure but also as symbols of economic, cultural and social development.

The recognition comes as India continues to invest heavily in airport infrastructure, with several new greenfield airports and terminal expansions underway. While only two Indian airports made the 2026 global list, the achievement underscores the country's growing focus on creating world-class aviation gateways that combine operational efficiency with architectural distinction.

17/06/2026

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SpiceJet Staffer Suspended After Heated Confrontation with Passengers at Bagdogra Airport

A SpiceJet employee has been suspended after a heated verbal altercation with passengers at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal following the cancellation of a Delhi-bound flight. Videos of the confrontation, which have since gone viral on social media, show angry passengers arguing with airline staff as security personnel attempted to defuse the situation.

The incident occurred on June 13 after SpiceJet flight SG 151 from Bagdogra to Delhi suffered repeated delays before being cancelled. According to passengers, the flight, originally scheduled to depart at 4.10 pm, was delayed several times during the day before travellers were informed late in the evening that it would not operate.

Passenger Noman Shaikh alleged that the airline failed to adequately assist stranded travellers. “We were informed that the flight would depart at 10 pm. However, later in the evening, we were told that it had been cancelled,” he said. He also claimed that passengers were served poorly prepared food and that no accommodation arrangements were made after the cancellation, further fuelling frustration among those affected.

In a statement, SpiceJet said the disruption was caused by operational challenges arising from adverse weather conditions. The airline explained that the aircraft had earlier been diverted to Kolkata due to bad weather, resulting in significant delays and eventually forcing the cancellation of the flight. “Due to this unpredictable cancellation, some of the irate passengers and our staff members got involved in a verbal altercation,” the airline said.

SpiceJet confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken against the employee seen in the video. “She has been served with immediate suspension of services and sent to refresher training,” the airline said, while expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. 

17/06/2026

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First domestic freighter lands at Noida cargo hub

A new airfreight corridor has taken a step forward in India after the first domestic cargo flight was handled at the Multi Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport.

Ground operations firm Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited processed the inaugural freighter arrival on Wednesday, marking the start of domestic cargo activity at the site.

The flight, operated by Afcom Holdings Ltd, arrived from Chennai aboard a Boeing 737-800F carrying close to 20 tonnes of freight, including perishables and precision components.

17/06/2026

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Air India launches ‘Basic’ fare option, expanding customer choice in economy class

Air India on Tuesday announced the introduction of its new ‘Basic’ fare family.

The Basic fare builds on Air India’s branded fare families - Value, Classic, and Flex - introduced in 2024.

Being trialled on select domestic routes, the Basic fare is available for travel in Economy Class and is designed for travellers who prioritise value. It includes a 15 kg checked baggage allowance, 7 kg cabin baggage allowance, complimentary beverage service (tea/coffee), while complimentary meals are not included, the airlines said in a press statement.

The Basic fare is entirely optional, and travellers continue to have the choice of booking across Air India’s existing fare families - Value, Classic, and Flex - each of which includes complimentary meals and a range of bundled benefits at progressively higher price points. "The introduction of Basic fare simply adds another layer of choice, particularly for price-conscious travellers who prefer a more unbundled offering," Air India said.

Travellers booked on Basic fares will have the flexibility to pre-purchase meals up to 24 hours before departure, with options including Vegetarian, Non-Vegetarian, Jain, and Diabetic meals. In the event of a schedule change or reaccommodation, pre-purchased meals will be automatically transferred to the new flight, or fully refunded if unavailable for any reason.

The Basic fare is currently available on select domestic routes. Air India will assess customer response and feedback during the pilot phase to guide decisions on the future of the offering.

Currently, the Basic fare can be booked exclusively through the airline’s direct channels, including its website, mobile app, contact centre, and airport ticketing offices.

16/06/2026 

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Akasa Air launches operations from Noida International Airport, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region

Akasa Air on Tuesday commenced operations from Noida International Airport (NIA), strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region.

The airline’s inaugural flight departed Navi Mumbai International Airport at 0725 hrs and arrived at Noida International Airport at 0935 hrs. The inaugural flight from Noida International Airport, (NIA) departed at 1015hrs and arrived at Navi Mumbai International Airport at 1230 hrs. With this, Akasa Air becomes one of the first airlines to operate commercial services from Noida International Airport, reflecting the airline’s commitment to participating in the development of emerging aviation infrastructure and expanding access to high-growth markets across India.

Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air said: “The commencement of operations from Noida International Airport marks an important milestone in Akasa Air’s growth journey. As one of India's newest aviation gateways, the airport offers significant opportunities to enhance connectivity for travellers across the National Capital Region and neighbouring states.

Our early presence at Noida aligns with our long-term strategy of building a strong network across key growth markets while supporting the development of modern aviation infrastructure. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Noida International Airport and delivering seamless, dependable travel experience to our customers in the Akasa Way," he added.

Christoph Schnellmann, Vice Chairman, Noida International Airport said, "Akasa Air's arrival at Noida International Airport is an important step in expanding connectivity for our passengers and the region we serve. As one of the first airlines operating from the airport, Akasa Air will help create new travel opportunities and greater choice for passengers. Together, we look forward to providing a seamless and convenient travel experience while creating new opportunities for connectivity, economic growth, and development across Uttar Pradesh and Northern India." 

Akasa Air will also operate a state-of-the-art MRO facility within the airport premises, offering advanced MRO services, supporting a broad spectrum of aircraft maintenance activities and ensuring high standards of operational efficiency and safety, the airline said in a press statement.

16/06/2026 

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Air India Express launches Pune-Amritsar direct flights

Air India Express has commenced direct flights between Pune and Amritsar. The inaugural flight departed from Pune on June 15, marking the launch of the new service and providing travellers with convenient access to Amritsar, renowned for its spiritual, cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. The direct connection offers convenient travel options for leisure travellers, pilgrims, students and business travellers.

Travellers can now book their flights, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, Xpress Ahead priority services and more on the airline’s website airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and all major booking channels.

The new service operates daily, departing Pune at 01:20 hrs and arrives in Amritsar at 04:10 hrs. The return flight will depart Amritsar at 05:00 hrs and arriving in Pune at 07:50 hrs.

Schedule effective from 15th June 2026 (all timings are local)
Departure	Arrival	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency
Pune	Amritsar	01:20	04:10	Daily
Amritsar	Pune	05:00	07:50	Daily

Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural heart of Punjab, is home to the revered Golden Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world. The city is also known for the historic Jallianwala Bagh memorial and the vibrant Attari-Wagah Border ceremony, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. Renowned for its rich culinary traditions, heritage architecture, and warm hospitality, Amritsar offers an immersive cultural experience.

Pune, often referred to as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, blends historical significance with modern urban development. The city is known for landmarks such as Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, and Sinhagad Fort, while also serving as a major hub for education, information technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. Pune’s pleasant climate, thriving food culture, and proximity to popular destinations in the Western Ghats make it a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers.

With the launch of this service, Air India Express now operates about 105 weekly flights from Pune, connecting the city directly to 12 destinations including Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. From Amritsar, Air India Express operates 24 weekly flights, connecting the city to Delhi, Dubai, Pune, and Sharjah.

Through its recently launched campaign, ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’, featuring acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, Air India Express highlights the airline’s signature experience, including comfortable seating, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, warm Indian hospitality, and a growing network that enhances connectivity across domestic and international destinations.

16/06/2026

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Air India Scales Back Chennai Operations Amid Soaring Fuel Costs, Operational Challenges

Chennai: Air India has significantly reduced and suspended services on several domestic and international routes from Chennai, citing escalating aviation fuel prices and operational challenges, a move that has raised concerns among passengers over declining connectivity from one of South India's busiest airports.

The airline has either cancelled or reduced flights linking Chennai with key destinations including Port Blair, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, Singapore, Dubai, Colombo, Sharjah, Dammam and Kuala Lumpur. Air India said the reductions are temporary and services will be restored once operating conditions improve.

An Air India spokesperson said the airline had been forced to rationalise operations due to the sustained impact of high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices on overall operations. Affected passengers are being accommodated on alternative flights, offered complimentary date changes or provided full refunds.

The latest cuts are part of a broader network rationalisation undertaken by the Tata Group-owned carrier. Air India had earlier announced a reduction of up to 22 per cent in domestic flight frequencies between June and August 2026 and also scaled back several international services due to record fuel prices and operational pressures arising from regional geopolitical developments.

Chennai has been among the airports most affected by the reductions. The Chennai–Port Blair sector, once served by multiple daily flights operated by Air India and Air India Express, currently has no services from either airline. Air India Express has also withdrawn its Chennai–Tiruchirappalli operations, while Air India's Chennai–Coimbatore flights have been discontinued. Additional Chennai–Madurai services announced earlier have yet to commence.

International connectivity has also taken a hit. Air India's twice-daily Chennai–Singapore flights have been suspended from June through August as part of the airline's network review. Services to Dubai, Colombo, Sharjah, Dammam and Kuala Lumpur have similarly been reduced or suspended.

The airline maintained that Chennai remains an important market and rejected suggestions that it was neglecting the airport. Officials said the current adjustments were driven purely by economic and operational considerations, particularly the sharp increase in fuel costs that has affected airline profitability across the industry. Air India expects to review and potentially restore services after August, depending on market conditions and demand.

16/06/2026

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Navi Mumbai Airport Set to Launch International Passenger, Cargo Services from July 15

Mumbai: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected to commence international passenger and cargo operations from July 15, marking a major milestone in the development of India's newest aviation hub and providing additional capacity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The launch remains subject to the receipt of final regulatory approvals.

Speaking on the sidelines of the BCBA Logistics Conclave 2026 in Mumbai, NMIA Chairman Capt. B.V.J.K. Sharma said the airport is targeting the start of international passenger flights and dedicated cargo freighter services from mid-July.

"We are planning to start international operations from July 15, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals," Sharma said. He added that international cargo freighter operations are also expected to begin simultaneously.

The move is expected to significantly enhance Mumbai's aviation capacity by complementing operations at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which has been operating close to its capacity limits. Industry experts believe the addition of international services at Navi Mumbai will ease congestion while improving connectivity for passengers and cargo operators.

Sharma also outlined ambitious expansion plans for the airport. While the first phase has been designed to handle around 20 million passengers annually, the airport aims to increase capacity to 50 million passengers in subsequent phases. Long-term plans envision expanding annual passenger handling capacity to 90 million, positioning NMIA among India's largest airports.

On the cargo front, the airport is expected to emerge as a major logistics gateway for western India. The commencement of international freighter operations is seen as a crucial step in developing Navi Mumbai into a multimodal cargo and distribution hub, supported by road, rail and port connectivity.

The airport has already established itself as a domestic aviation gateway since commercial operations began late last year. With international services now on the horizon, NMIA is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the rapidly growing air travel and cargo demand in the Mumbai region.

16/06/2026

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Bangladesh PM's Adviser Says Delhi Airport Hold-up Required 'Instant Protest'

Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Policy and Strategy Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday (June 16) said he decided to return to Dhaka after being held up for more than two hours at Delhi airport because the incident required an immediate response from Bangladesh.

“I felt there needed to be an instant protest,” Rahman told reporters, a day after Dhaka formally protested the episode to New Delhi, at the Secretariat during a regular press briefing when asked about the incident.

Bangladesh had informed India’s Ministry of External Affairs at least two days in advance about his visit to Delhi, Rahman said. However, upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport on June 14, he was reportedly made to wait for around two and a half hours and was initially denied entry.

Although he was later allowed entry following instructions from higher authorities, Rahman said he chose to return to Dhaka instead.

“I did not go there as an individual; I went as a representative of the government and the state. What happened to me there required an immediate response from our side, which is why I decided to return,” he said.

16/06/2026 Jebun Nesa Alo/Wire

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