Civil Aviation Minister Reviews Readiness for Delhi Airport Hub-and-Spoke Operations

Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today reviewed the readiness of Delhi Airport for the implementation of hub-and-spoke operations, chairing a high-level meeting with all key stakeholders at the airport. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Secretary Civil Aviation and representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Bureau of Immigration (BoI), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Customs, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), CISF, DigiYatra, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and leading airlines.

The Minister also led a delegation for an on-ground walkthrough of passenger flow systems and inspected the Security Hold Area (SHA) at Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport to assess operational preparedness.

The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, formulated under the decisive and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, laid out a clear roadmap for positioning India as an aviation hub of choice for Indian passengers by 2030 and for the world by 2047. In furtherance of this vision, the Government has developed an International Aviation Hub Strategy, under which several key measures have been undertaken. These include adopting a calibrated approach in granting Points of Call to foreign carriers, particularly for non-metro destinations, renegotiating bilateral agreements in a manner that strengthens Indian carriers and promotes domestic hubs and liberalizing domestic code-share arrangements to enable Indian airlines to expand their global reach.

During the deliberations, the Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “India’s unique geographical location between the eastern and western hemispheres provides a natural advantage in emerging as a global transit hub. And we have developed the strategy after extensive deliberations with all the stakeholders and I am deeply grateful to Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji for his active support in advancing the proposal.”

Elaborating on the significance of the hub-and-spoke model, the Minister stated that it will enable seamless connectivity between Tier-II and Tier-III airports developed through visionary UDAN scheme of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the international destinations. He noted that while the passengers will benefit from reduced travel time, there will also be optimal utilization of the infrastructure already developed across the country.

The Hub and Spoke Strategy represent a shift in India’s aviation landscape from being primarily an end-destination market to evolving into a global transit hub, thereby allowing Indian airports to capture a substantial share of transfer traffic that is currently routed through foreign hubs.

Sharing the Government’s hub vision, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “At present, nearly 35 percent of international passengers travelling from India transit through foreign hubs such as Dubai, London and Singapore. Our aim is to reverse this trend by developing globally competitive Indian hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai.”

Mentioning the example of IGI Airport, Minister said, “Delhi Airport stands out with its capacity exceeding 100 million passengers annually, handling nearly 50 percent of the total passenger traffic in the northern region and managing around 50,000 daily transfers, thereby positioning itself as a natural hub airport.”

In addition to passenger facilitation, the strategy places strong emphasis on strengthening India’s position as a global air cargo hub. Measures such as the elimination of re-screening requirements for transshipment cargo and the digitization of cargo-related approvals and documentation processes are expected to significantly enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times.

Highlighting the significance of the model, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu mentioned, “The hub-and-spoke model is also set to have far-reaching economic implications along with increased connectivity across regions. By 2047, the cumulative impact of this initiative is projected to generate approximately 16 million direct and indirect jobs and contribute nearly USD 1.4 trillion to the Indian economy.”

23/04/2026 PIB

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Paris Airport Group slashes stake in India's GMR in $1 billion deal

ADP, the operator of the main Paris airports, agreed to sell up to 7.3 per cent of India’s GMR Airports Ltd. as part of a deal worth as much as €924 million ($1.08 billion).

 The French group agreed to sell the stake to a vehicle connected to GMR’s founding family in a multistage deal, according to a statement confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report. ADP will sell 3.4 per cent of its shares for €256 million and receive a put option to sell an additional 3.9 per cent for about €285 million.

  The family’s vehicle has also agreed to purchase convertible bonds for €301 million face value, plus accrued interest as of the date of the transaction, which is set to be completed by March 31, 2027, ADP’s statement showed. 

 Shares of GMR Airports have risen 8.4 per cent in Mumbai over the past 12 months, giving the company a market value of $10.8 billion.

ADP said its governance rights and status as a so-called co-promoter will remain on completion of the deal. The company doesn’t intend to divest any more of its stake in GMR Airports, and will use cash from the transaction for short-term deleveraging, as well as a special dividend as soon as this year.

 “ADP is taking the opportunity to crystallise part of the value of its investment, while maintaining a significant economic exposure to the future growth potential of this key asset,” ADP Chief Executive Officer Philippe Pascal said in the statement. ADP initially acquired a 49 per cent stake in GMR Airports in 2020. 

24/04/2026 Baiju Kalesh, Dinesh Nair, P R Sanjai and Vinicy Chan/Business Standard

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Indian aviation sector to handle about 500 million passengers annually by 2030: NMIA chief

Mumbai, 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 on Thursday.

Speaking at the Airport 360 Expo 2026, which commenced at Bombay Exhibition Centre, the executive said that 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 per cent higher than the pre-COVID levels," Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd CEO BVJK Sharma said at the event.

The growth would be rapid, but considering that the historical growth has been 10-12 per cent, it could taper down to 5.6 per cent by 2044, he 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 per cent 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.

23/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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How India plans to do a Dubai or Doha in Delhi: The plan for hub-and-spoke desi airports kicks of

NEW DELHI: India is finalising its hub-and-spoke policy of flying passengers between small towns and rest of the world via hub like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The move comes amid Air India and IndiGo’s massive orders for wide body aircraft; the coming of age of Indian hub airports that are gearing up for domestic-to-international and vice-versa transfers; and the biggest hubs of international travel to and from India in the Gulf like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha facing uncertainty over when the resume pre Feb 28 operations. Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu visited and secretary Samir Sinha visited the upcoming hub at Delhi’s IGI Airport — India’s busiest airport — on Thursday to fine-tune the policy and begin its implementation in right earnest.

Sinha is tackling what is the biggest pain point for international to domestic passengers — they need to collect their baggage on the port of arrival in India; clear customs and then then check-in again for the domestic connecting flight. “baggage for both inbound and outbound international passengers will be transferred seamlessly through airside operations at the hub airport, eliminating the need for passenger intervention,” the aviation ministry says about the change under the new hub-and-spoke policy.

Passengers flying out of India, say from Lucknow to Delhi to London, on the other hand, can through check-in their bag at Lucknow itself if both their flights are on the same airline or alliance’ code share partner carriers.

The operating procedure for domestic to international transfers:

“Under the hub-and-spoke model, passengers arriving from various smaller cities will be consolidated in a coordinated manner and routed through major hub airports such as Delhi for onward international connections. At the spoke (smaller origin) airport, passengers will be issued two separate boarding passes, clearly marked with ‘D’ (domestic) and ‘I’ (international) indicators,” the aviation ministry said in a statement.

“Customs and immigration formalities for outbound passengers will be completed at the first point of exit from the country, which will be the spoke airport, and passengers on such outbound journeys will not have access to customs declaration facilities during transit,” it said.

23/04/2026 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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IndiGo Gets Regulator's Warning Over Airfare Cap Compliance

 New Delhi: Aviation regulator the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning letter to India's largest airline, IndiGo, in connection with compliance related to temporary domestic airfare caps imposed by the government in December 2025, the airline's parent InterGlobe Aviation informed stock exchanges on Thursday.

According to the exchange filing available on the bourses, the DGCA letter pertains to certain airfares offered during the period when government-imposed fare caps were in force.

The aviation regulator has advised the airline to exercise due caution and ensure strict adherence to applicable government orders in the future.

However, it also noted that IndiGo has already undertaken corrective actions, including refunding excess amounts collected from passengers.

According to the airline, the communication was received on Tuesday, April 21, and it clarified that there is no significant impact on its financials, operations or other activities arising from the matter.

The airline further said that all corrective actions, including refunds, have already been completed. It also attributed the delay in disclosure to an internal communication lag in receiving details of the DGCA letter.

23/04/2026 IASN/NDTV

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Navi Mumbai Airport may handle 50,000 passengers daily, operate 380 flights by year-end: Sources

Adani Group-owned Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is likely to handle 50,000 passengers daily, with an estimated 380 flights every day by the end of this year, according to sources.

The airport was set to start international operations from the current summer schedule, but it has been deferred due to the ongoing war in the Gulf region, they added.

The Greenfield Airport, which began commercial operations with domestic flight on December 25 last year, currently handles 20,000 passengers per day with an average of 150 air traffic movements (ATMs).

"We have already touched 20,000 passengers per day. What I foresee, from December, (we will be handling) about 50,000 passengers, while the number of ATMs is also expected to reach about 380 on average by that time. And the way we are pushing, probably we will do more because the traffic that is forthcoming has surprised us also, with a lot of commitment from IndiGo coming in," the sources said.

IndiGo operations currently account for 70 per cent of the airport's total daily flights, which is now going up to 80 per cent, one of the sources said, adding that "if Indigo does change their business model, they will bring in a lot of traffic to the greenfield facility".

23/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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India reissues travel advisory as India–Iran flight services resume in limited numbers

Embassy of India in Tehran issued a fresh advisory on Thursday, urging its citizens “not to travel to Iran”, as scant flight operations between the two countries begin to resume amid tensions. In a statement, the Embassy of India in Tehran said, “In view of reports of commencement of some flights between India and Iran, and in continuation of earlier advisories, Indian citizens are strongly advised not to travel to Iran, whether by air or land.”

The advisory comes amid ongoing uncertainty in the region, with authorities warning that aviation operations remain disrupted within the country. To assist citizens, the embassy shared emergency contact numbers and urged Indians to remain in close contact for guidance and support as the situation evolves.

 Iran reopened some of its key airports recently and gradually resumed flight operations after weeks of disruptions caused by conflicts involving the United States and Israel.

Major airports, including Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad Airport, have recently restarted domestic services, and limited international connectivity has also been restored.

24/04/2026 First Post

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India extends airspace closure for Pakistan aircraft till May 24

New Delhi: India has extended the ban on Pakistan planes from using its airspace till May 24.

With the latest extension, the closure of the Indian airspace for Pakistan aircraft will now be in place for more than a year -- a move that first came days after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.

Since April last year, both countries have been extending the closure of their airspaces for each other's planes. On Tuesday, Pakistan extended the airspace closure till May 24.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday said the Indian airspace will not be available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated/ owned or leased by Pakistan airlines/ operators, including military flights.

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 people, India and Pakistan closed their respective airspaces for each other's planes.

23/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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From Partner to Lifeline: How Singapore Airlines Is Taking Over Air India's Operations

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is deepening its operational involvement in Air India as Tata Group's flag carrier grapples with record losses, safety lapses and a leadership vacuum, according to a Bloomberg report.

The Singaporean carrier has placed its executives in key roles across Air India's flight operations, engineering and maintenance, areas where SIA has long been considered a global benchmark. Singapore Airlines had first stepped up its involvement in engineering last year before expanding its presence across other functions. Meanwhile, Tata Group, which owns 74.9% of Air India, is focusing on commercial, human resources, finance and IT functions.

The shift marks a significant escalation in SIA's engagement, moving it from a strategic minority partner to an active, hands-on presence, a change made more urgent following the deadly Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash last year.

Air India lost more than ₹22,000 crore — roughly $2.4 billion — in the fiscal year ending March 2026, far worse than the $1.6 billion the airline had privately estimated just months earlier, Bloomberg reported. The scale of the damage forced Air India to approach both Tata Group and Singapore Airlines for fresh capital.

For SIA, the financial pain is direct. The carrier entered Air India as a minority shareholder after merging its Indian affiliate Vistara with the airline in 2024, and has since seen its own earnings dragged down. SIA disclosed losses from associated companies — largely attributable to Air India — of $139 million in the December quarter. Despite this, it said it remains "firmly committed" to supporting Air India's transformation.

23/04/2026 Outlook

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Air India may reduce overseas flights due to losses and high fuel costs

Tata Group-owned Air India is likely to reduce its international flight operations after posting a loss of nearly Rs 20,000 crore in FY26, amidst rising aviation fuel costs, according to senior officials.

According to a travel industry source, a final decision is expected to be taken at a board meeting scheduled for early May. It has been decided to keep travel companies informed about any development in this regard.

Air India is considering a 15% to 20% reduction in its flight schedule, though the overall cut across the Air India Group is expected to be relatively lower, in the range of 10-15%.

If the flight rationalisation proposal is implemented, more than 100 flights could be affected, from roughly 1,100 services operated daily by the Air India Group. Currently, Air India operates more than 700 domestic and international flights every day.

International services are likely to see the deepest cuts, since rising fuel costs, longer flying hours and higher crew expenses have squeezed route profitability and aircraft utilisation on overseas routes.

Air India has been reassessing capacity deployment across its entire network, particularly on long-haul international routes, where extended block hours have eroded productivity and weighed on overall operating economics.

23/04/2026 Statesman

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'Catastrophic like the Air India crash': Kerala Congress on what may go wrong with ethanol blended ATF

India has permitted blending of ethanol and other synthetic hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) as part of efforts to cut emissions and reduce dependence on oil imports.

The Kerala Congress unit has warned that the move could have “catastrophic consequences,” drawing a comparison with the Air India Express Flight 1344 crash.

In a post on X, the party criticised the Centre, alleging that “Nitin Gadkari and Narendra Modi are playing with real fire, driven by ignorance and greed.”

Explaining its concerns, the party said ethanol has a lower energy density (around 26.8 MJ/kg) compared to ATF (about 43.2 MJ/kg), which could impact engine performance during critical phases such as take-off. “If a fully loaded aircraft does not get sufficient thrust, the consequences can be catastrophic,” it said.

The post also claimed that aircraft using ethanol blends would require higher fuel volumes to achieve the same range, potentially reducing payload capacity and efficiency.

Raising safety concerns, it added that ethanol is hygroscopic—meaning it absorbs moisture from the air—which could freeze at high altitudes and form ice crystals, risking blockage of fuel lines and filters.

23/04/2026 Economic Times

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Mumbai Indians take flight as Malaysia Airlines unveils special-themed aircraft

Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia and the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced a one-of-a-kind aircraft livery that combines the classic blue and gold of one of cricket’s most storied franchises with Malaysia Airlines’ blues.

The newly designed livery, now shown on Malaysia Airlines’ A330-300, transforms the aircraft into a strong visual representation of sport, culture, and connectivity, extending Mumbai’s spirit beyond the stadium and onto the world stage. The design combines both businesses’ respective identities, with a dynamic pulse emanating from the Mumbai Indians’ logo and its famous chakra, which represents motion and speed. Flowing patterns on the aircraft depict the team’s increasing worldwide fan base, supporting Malaysia Airlines’ position as a global airline that connects people through shared adventures and experiences.

To commemorate the inauguration, Malaysia Airlines and MI have created a tribute digital film that captures the colourful culture of Mumbai, the enthusiasm of its supporters, and the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.

Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “India remains a key growth market for Malaysia Airlines as we continue to strengthen our presence and connectivity across the region. This collaboration with Mumbai Indians allows us to go beyond traditional aviation partnerships by integrating cultural relevance into our brand experience. It reflects our commitment to building meaningful, long-term connections with customers while reinforcing Malaysia Airlines as a carrier that connects people, places and passions across our global network.”

23/04/2026 Gauresh Mahadik/Sports Mint

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Kuwait, India discuss strengthening civil aviation cooperation

Kuwait: Director General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, held talks on Thursday with the Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Paramita Tripathi, on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the meeting reviewed areas of joint cooperation and explored avenues to further develop relations in a manner that supports air transport operations and facilitates the exchange of expertise in this vital field.

The statement added that both sides also discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation to meet shared aspirations and contribute to the continued development and advancement of the civil aviation sector between the two countries. 

23/04/2026 KUNA/Kuwait Times

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India-China direct flight connectivity grows amid thawing yet ‘fragile’ ties

New Delhi: As India-China relations continue to improve, Air China has restarted direct flights on the Beijing-New Delhi route after a gap of almost six years. The service will operate on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday every week using Airbus A330-200/300 aircraft.

Direct flights between the two countries were halted in 2020 during COVID-19 and remained suspended amid breakdown in ties following the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides.

As of now, India-China connectivity involves around 20 direct flights a week compared to over 40 weekly flights before 2020. These include, apart from Air China’s three weekly flights now, IndiGo’s daily Kolkata-Shanghai and Delhi-Guangzhou services, started in the last six months, and China Eastern Airlines’ six weekly Kunming-Kolkata flights that were resumed this week.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had visited China in July 2025, for the first time in five years, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin, and the subject of resumption of flights, along with border management and trade, was discussed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi then visited Tianjin in August 2025 for the SCO Summit—his first visit to China in over seven years—and met President Xi Jinping, signalling a massive improvement in India-China ties.

23/04/2026 Esha Mishra/Print

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Meet the entrepreneur who wants to bring 'flying hospital' to India

In a country like India, where timely access to healthcare can often mean the difference between life and death, the idea of a 'flying hospital' is both powerful and deeply relevant. With challenges such as traffic congestion, remote geographies, and limited medical infrastructure in many regions, emergency care is not always within reach.

In this conversation with Mathrubhumi, LYTE Aviation CEO & Founder Freshta Farzam shares her views on how SkyClinic, an innovative airborne medical platform aims to bridge this gap by bringing advanced medical care directly to patients.

From speed and accessibility to affordability and long-term vision, she explains how this futuristic concept could transform the way healthcare is delivered, especially in underserved areas.

In simple terms, what is a "flying hospital" and how will it help ordinary people?

A flying hospital is a fully equipped flying eVTOL that can land at your doorstep or anywhere on a 50m x 50m landing field. It will help ordinary people to gain finally access to surgeries and hospitals. Billions of people don't even have any access to hospitals.

How quickly can SkyClinic reach a patient compared to a regular ambulance?

We fly with 300km/h speed and cover a 1000km range... especially roads with bad or non-existent infrastructure, where ambulances can’t even reach or hard to reach, we are much faster than 50km/h speed and broken ground infrastructure

Can this flying hospital really work in crowded cities or remote villages in India?

Absolutely! Yes! It can and it will work in remote cities first in India, as that is where the biggest pain point is. But also in disaster zones, earthquakes, hurricanes etc leave broken infrastructure behind (runways, hospitals or even roads that cut off roads to hospitals) and that is where our SkyClinic is in high demand by governments in particular.

23/04/2026 Swati Ketkar/Mathrubhumi

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Mangaluru Airport Earns Highest Sustainability Rating for Waste Management

Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport Limited has received the highest ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ certification from the Confederation of Indian Industry, underscoring its progress in sustainable airport operations.

The Platinum – Class I rating was awarded after an extensive audit that found the airport diverts over 99 per cent of its waste from landfills. The certification process, conducted by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, examined waste handling, segregation, recycling and regulatory compliance.

Airport authorities said the achievement reflects systematic adoption of the 5R framework—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle—across its facilities. Measures include reducing waste generation at the source and expanding recycling and reuse channels.

The development comes amid increasing focus on sustainability in India’s aviation sector, where airports are under pressure to meet environmental standards while managing rising passenger traffic.

Experts say such certifications provide measurable indicators of progress and could influence future policy and infrastructure planning. With this recognition, the airport positions itself among facilities integrating environmental goals with operational efficiency.

23/04/2026 Hans India

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France lifts airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals

During his recent visit to India in February 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced that measures would be taken to ease Indian nationals’ travel via France.

Subsequent to President Macron’s statement, a decree amending that of 10 May 2010 regarding the documents and visas required for the entry of foreigners into French territory was adopted, and published in the Official Gazette (Journal Officiel) on 9 April 2026.

Consequently, with effect from 10 April 2026, Indian nationals possessing an ordinary passport are no longer required to hold an airport transit visa when passing through the international zone of airports located on French territory. This measure applies to passengers remaining in the international zone during a layover at a French airport en route to a third country.

This change has been reflected in the procedures on the France-Visas platform: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/inde

23/04/2026 France in India

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Why India's Only Boeing 720 Was Left For Dead At Nagpur Airport 35 Years Ago

On July 21, 1991, a Boeing 720 operated by Continental Aviation Private Limited (CAPL) made an emergency landing at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport after reportedly developing engine trouble.

Ordinarily, such incidents are followed by repairs and departure within days. But this aircraft never left.

Instead, it remained parked near the runway, slowly gathering dust as weeks turned into years and then decades.

The Boeing 720, introduced in 1960 as a lighter, shorter-fuselage derivative of the successful 707, was designed for medium-range routes of 150 to 3,200 nautical miles with seating for up to 156 passengers.

Featuring aerodynamic wing improvements like full-span leading-edge flaps and greater sweep for better short-field performance, it initially used Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojets before the 720B variant adopted quieter JT3D turbofans, enabling higher cruising speeds around 530 knots and a production run of 154 aircraft until 1967.

Primarily operated by U.S. carriers like United and Eastern Airlines, it filled a niche until the trijet 727 superseded it, with the last commercial service ending around 2010. Led Zeppelin, an English rock band, also had a famous customised Boeing 720 called 'The Starship.'

24/04/2026 Dristi Sharma/NDTV

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Airport director expresses concern over trash dumping, photography on airside

Pune: Airport director Santosh Dhoke on Thursday expressed concerns over passengers taking photographs and videos in the restricted airside area despite preventive measures, and dumping of garbage in the facility's vicinity.

Dhoke said the garbage situation near the airport had improved significantly, but not completely resolved. "Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has done commendable work through daily garbage collection and consistent planning, but some people still dump waste in undesignated areas. This poses safety risks," he said.

The presence of garbage attracts stray dogs towards the airport, even on the runway. An Air India Express flight from Bhubaneswar to Pune had to abort landing on June 28 last year because of a dog on the runway. A stray dog died after coming under the wheels of a taxiing SpiceJet flight to Ahmedabad on Feb 13 this year.

Trash near airports triggers bird hits, too. A bird strike was detected after an Air India's aircraft from Delhi landed in Pune on June 21 last year. A Delhi-Pune IndiGo flight was diverted to Surat on June 5, 2025, because of heavy bird activity near the runway.

Airport director Dhoke was visibly upset over rampant photography and videography at the airport. "There is no provision under which we can take action in the form of penalties against such flyers. While we intend to enhance these measures, passengers must understand the sensitivity of the issue and follow the rules," he said.

The airport authorities have taken several steps, including announcements inside the terminal and on aircraft, and signages, to restrict passengers from taking photographs in the facility. The issue propped up last week following the runway shutdown after hard landing of a fighter aircraft. Shortly after the incident, social media platforms were flooded with images and videos captured from the airport's airside.

24/04/2026 Times of India

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Delays dog SpiceJet, Bengaluru-Kolkata flight grounded for hours

Bengaluru: Fresh chaos unfolded at Kempegowda International Airport Thursday after SpiceJet flight SG768 from Bengaluru to Kolkata was delayed for several hours due to a technical snag, adding to a growing list of complaints against the airline over repeated disruptions and apathy towards passengers.

Passengers on SG768 said they were left waiting for hours without clear updates, with the flight still grounded past 10pm despite being scheduled for an afternoon departure. "The flight was to leave around 2pm, and they said there would be a delay of a few minutes, then it turned into hours, and at 10pm we are still waiting for it. We have not been given any sort of refund or assistance," said Anupam Mitra.

Airport officials eventually cited "aircraft under maintenance," but travellers alleged there was little staff at the boarding gate and no timely communication, even as tickets had cost over Rs 10,000.

24/04/2026 Times of India

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Airlines Dress Code Row: Why sindoor, bindi debate is rooted in safety and global standards

Viral excerpts of grooming policies have sparked questions on cultural expression, but industry voices say uniformity and operational readiness—not identity—drive airline norms

A controversy around grooming and uniform policies in the aviation sector has sparked debate, with Air India at the centre after sections of its cabin crew manual surfaced online. The documents, which reportedly restricted visible sindoor, mangalsutra, and certain accessories, drew criticism on social media, with many questioning whether airlines are limiting cultural expression.

Similar scrutiny has extended to other carriers, including Akasa Air and SpiceJet, where comparable grooming norms are understood to be in place, suggesting that the issue reflects a broader industry approach rather than a single-company policy.

Airline statements and industry experts, however, indicate that the matter may be less about culture and more about global aviation standards, safety protocols, and uniformity requirements.

In aviation, cabin crew are not only service professionals but also trained safety personnel responsible for handling emergencies such as evacuations, onboard fires, and medical situations. Industry sources note that grooming norms are guided by the need to ensure that nothing interferes with a crew member’s ability to respond quickly and effectively. Accessories or adornments—regardless of whether they are cultural, religious, or purely aesthetic—can pose practical risks, including getting entangled during evacuation procedures, hindering movement in narrow aircraft aisles, or becoming hazards during turbulence or fire-related incidents.

Such policies are not unique to India. Global carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines follow similarly detailed grooming standards aimed at ensuring consistency, safety, and a professional onboard environment.

23/04/2026 Sreelekha Venugopal/News24

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Akasa Air Bets on Hajj Surge to Counter West Asia Flight Disruptions

MUMBAI- Akasa Air (QP), India’s third-largest airline, is deploying aircraft idled by ongoing West Asia route suspensions on Hajj charter and scheduled services to Jeddah (JED), Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on a concentrated surge in pilgrim travel demand.

The move is a short-term strategy to sustain fleet utilization while key Gulf routes remain grounded.

Hajj 2026 travel to Mecca began in April, with the first pilgrim flights landing in Jeddah (JED) on April 18. Reported by Livemint, the arrival window runs through May 21, ahead of the main Hajj rituals scheduled for May 25 to 29.

Approximately 5 to 6 aircraft are being used for Hajj travel. Akasa Air has suspended services to Doha (DOH), Riyadh (RUH), and Kuwait City (KWI) as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt Gulf airspace.

While flights to Doha, Riyadh, and Kuwait remain suspended, Akasa Air continues to operate flights to Jeddah (JED) from Ahmedabad (AMD), Bengaluru (BLR), Mumbai (BOM), Kochi (COK), and Kozhikode (CCJ), making these corridors the natural outlet for its stranded fleet capacity.

23/04/2026 Mahesh Darkunde/AviationA2Z

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Govt amends ATF rules, allows synthetic fuel blending; aligns norms with global standards

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has amended rules governing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), allowing blending with synthetic fuels in a move aimed at supporting cleaner and alternative aviation energy sources. The notification, dated April 17, revises the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order to align India’s fuel framework with evolving global standards and technological advancements.

Under the revised framework, ATF has been redefined to include blends with synthetic hydrocarbons, in line with updated Indian Standards — IS 1571 and IS 17081. This marks a significant regulatory shift, as it formally recognises blended and synthetic aviation fuels within India’s legal and operational ecosystem. The changes have been notified under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and have come into effect immediately.

The amendment also removes legacy provisions from the earlier order and updates enforcement mechanisms. Notably, provisions related to search and seizure have now been aligned with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, replacing outdated legal references and modernising regulatory oversight.

The move is expected to accelerate the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other low-emission alternatives, which are gaining traction globally as airlines face mounting pressure to decarbonise operations. By permitting blending under recognised Indian standards, the government has created much-needed regulatory clarity for refiners, fuel marketers, airlines, and suppliers exploring next-generation aviation fuels.

Synthetic and blended fuels can be derived from a range of sources, including biomass, waste feedstock, and renewable energy pathways. These alternatives are seen as critical to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, especially as air travel demand continues to rise.

India, one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, is witnessing rapid expansion in passenger traffic and fleet capacity. Fuel costs remain a major component of airline expenses, accounting for nearly 30-40% of operating costs, according to ICRA. In this context, enabling cleaner and potentially more efficient fuel options is strategically important for both sustainability and cost management over the long term.

22/04/2026 Business Today

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Noida airport operations face further delay as MHA rejects rule change on foreign CEO

New Delhi: The start of the much-delayed commercial operations at Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar is set to be delayed further, following the Ministry of Home Affairs turning down a proposal to amend a 15-year-old security rule that bars foreign nationals from holding the top post at a new airport, a government source said.

The CEO of a greenfield airport (built from scratch) also serves as the security coordinator, making it a sensitive post.

NIA has a Swiss CEO, Christoph Schnellmann, and is also the first airport in the country to be executed by a 100% foreign entity, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.

The 2011 order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) states, “The chief executive officer of Indian nationality at each Greenfield Indian airport and the airport director or in-charge airport management at Airports Authority of India airports which are served by civil flights shall be the security coordinator at the respective airports and shall be responsible for coordinating the implementation of security measures in accordance with the legal provisions and instructions issued by the BCAS from time to time.” The BCAS cannot issue clearance unless the Home Ministry gives its approval, an official said.

The Noida airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28 this year, with the official version stating that it would start operations shortly.

The aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, granted it the aerodrome licence on March 6. However, multiple sources told this reporter last month that the second phase of security clearance from the BCAS, the Aerodrome Security Programme (ASP), had not yet been granted to the airport.

22/04/2026 New Indian Express

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‘Incorrect, malicious’: Fly91 CEO slams 4-hour airborne claim on Hyderabad–Hubbali flight

 A video of distressed passengers inside a flight operated by Goa-based Fly91 during adverse weather condition has sparked widespread concern. Due to bad weather, the flight from Hyderabad to Hubballi was diverted to Bengaluru. All 22 passengers on board were reported safe.

Videos from inside the Hyderabad–Hubbali flight showed anxious passengers in panic as the plane plunged few feet, triggering speculation about a possible technical issue and prolonged time in the air. The incident quickly gained traction online, with conflicting narratives emerging around what exactly transpired mid-air.

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The airline strongly denied claims of any technical snag or excessive delay.

Addressing the controversy to CNBC-TV18, Fly91 founder and CEO Manoj Chacko clarified that the diversion was purely weather-related and followed standard safety protocols.

Chacko said, “The flight took off at 3:14 p.m. from Hyderabad, scheduled for Hubbali. When it was making its first approach into Hubbali, about 9 nautical miles away, it encountered unfavourable weather conditions. As per standard operating procedures, the aircraft held over Hubballi for about an hour, awaiting improvement in weather. When conditions did not improve, the pilot diverted the flight to Bengaluru.”

He further dismissed rumours of any mechanical issue onboard. “There was absolutely no technical issues.”

He further added that people claiming that it was up in the air for 4 hours is absolutely incorrect. “

We took off from Hyderabad. Takeoff time was 3:14 p.m., and we landed in Bangalore at 6:44 p.m. After holding over it near Hubli for close to 70 minutes because we obviously didn’t want to inconvenience our passengers.”

Chacko added that some passengers, possibly not frequent flyers, began to panic mid-air, prompting the captain to prioritise passenger comfort and take the decision to divert rather than prolong the holding pattern.

21/04/2026 Shubham Chhabra/Financial Express

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AC Failure on Flight Leaves Passengers in Distress During Hyderabad-Kochi Journey

Passengers on a Hyderabad to Kochi IndiGo flight (6E 6684) allegedly faced severe discomfort after the aircraft’s air conditioning system stopped working during the journey, leaving many travellers distressed inside the cabin.

According to reports, the issue began shortly after take-off when the cabin temperature started increasing and airflow became limited. Passengers said the poor ventilation created an uncomfortable atmosphere, with several people complaining of suffocation, tiredness and uneasiness during the flight.

Travellers on board described the situation as difficult, especially for children, senior citizens and those sensitive to heat. Some passengers reportedly felt dizzy and exhausted as fresh air circulation remained inadequate for a long period.

Eyewitnesses said cabin crew tried to calm passengers and offered assistance where possible, but the discomfort continued until the aircraft landed safely in Kochi. No injuries or emergency landing were reported.

21/04/2026 Ajeet Yadav/Aviation Jeta

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Fly91 Flight Faces Landing Delay, Circles Over Hubballi For 2 Hours Days After Similar Disruption

A Fly91 flight from Bengaluru to Hubballi encountered landing difficulties on Tuesday evening, circling in the air for nearly two hours before finally landing safely, days after another Fly91 aircraft faced a prolonged diversion linked to adverse weather conditions.

Flight IC3412 (AT-76), which departed Bengaluru at 6 pm and was scheduled to land in Hubballi at 6.50 pm, reached the destination on time but was unable to land due to a technical issue, according to sources.

The aircraft remained airborne over the region before eventually landing safely at around 9.15 pm.

All passengers on board were reported safe.

22/04/2026 Vani Mehrotra/News18.com

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Chennai Airport Sees Surge in International Arrivals Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections 2026

International arrivals at Chennai International Airport have witnessed a significant surge as overseas Tamils return home to participate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 scheduled for April 23.

With polling already completed in states like Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, Tamil Nadu is gearing up for a crucial single-phase election. This has prompted a large number of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and expatriates from countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, as well as regions in Europe and the United States, to  travel back home.

Many Tamil associations abroad, especially in Bahrain, have highlighted strong enthusiasm among members to exercise their voting rights. Apart from voting, several returnees also plan to spend time with their families and stay back to witness the election results before heading back overseas.

22/04/2026 Live Chennai

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Who Is Noida Airport CEO Christoph Schnellmann and How His Leadership is the Reason Behind the Operational Delays?

Noida International Airport has encountered a significant regulatory challenge just as it prepares for commercial flight operations. According to several media reports, the Ministry of Home Affairs has declined a proposal to relax existing rules that prohibit foreign nationals from serving as chief executives of greenfield airports.

This decision directly impacts the airport’s leadership, as it effectively requires the replacement of its current CEO, Christoph Schnellmann.

Schnellmann is a Swiss national associated with Zurich Airport International AG as well as Bangalore’s Kempegowda Airport. He has spearheaded the Noida airport project since its inception.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had originally suggested amending the restriction in favour of Schnellmann, but the home ministry rejected the proposal and communicated its stance to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

As a result, the airport’s stakeholders are now expected to identify and appoint an Indian national to the top position before operations can begin. This transition could potentially lead to further delays for the airport, which has yet to start scheduled commercial flights.

22/04/2026 Avipsha Sengupta/Republic

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Green nod for Shillong Airport expansion

Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya was on Wednesday told that the proposed expansion of the Shillong Airport has received environment clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

In a fresh status report submitted on behalf of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the court was also informed that the expansion work has been awarded to KCC Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. Deputy Solicitor General of India Nitesh Mozika tendered the status report, which was taken on record.

The court observed from the report that the green nod was received from the Ministry on March 28 for the expansion of the Shillong Airport runway, the terminal building, apron, and other allied works. The work order was awarded to the firm on April 1.

According to Clause 6 of the work order, the firm has been allowed 18 months, including three months considered for rain, from the 10th day after issuance of the said letter to complete the project. The court was told that safety documents were prepared at the stakeholders’ meeting (for safety assessment during the execution stage) on April 8 and sent to the AAI headquarters for vetting before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

22/04/2026 Shillong Times

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AAI floats tender for upgrading Saharsa airport

Patna: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has floated a tender for upgrading the existing airport at Saharsa, marking another step towards strengthening regional air connectivity in Bihar. The project aims to enable operations of Code-2B category aircraft — small planes typically carrying 19–20 passengers and suited for short-haul regional flights, including tourism and other services.

As part of the project, a prefabricated steel terminal building, a pre-engineered air traffic control (ATC) tower, a fire station and other allied facilities will be constructed on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. The EPC model is expected to ensure faster execution and durable infrastructure tailored to small aircraft operations.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 35.14 crore, covering essential civil works for buildings. Located in Saharsa district, the initiative is part of the state’s broader push to revive and upgrade dormant or underdeveloped airstrips.

Following a memorandum of understanding signed between the Bihar govt and AAI in 2025, work is underway on several regional airports to improve connectivity, boost tourism and support economic activity in underserved areas.

22/04/2026 Faryal Rumi/Times of India

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Flight cancelled before takeoff due to technical fault:Aircraft grounded; scheduled to fly from Jaipur to Navi Mumbai

The flight from Jaipur Airport to Navi Mumbai was suddenly cancelled on Wednesday. Indigo Airlines flight 6E - 2719 was scheduled to depart from Jaipur for Navi Mumbai at 11:05 AM.

During a routine technical inspection before the flight, the engineering team identified a technical issue with the aircraft. Considering passenger safety, the airline company immediately grounded the aircraft, deeming it unfit for flight. Following this, the decision was made to cancel the flight.

Upon receiving the news of the flight cancellation, passengers present at the airport expressed their displeasure. Many passengers had arrived at the airport since morning and were preparing for boarding.

The sudden flight cancellation disrupted their travel plans. Business travelers and passengers traveling for urgent work were particularly inconvenienced.

Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines initiated the process of providing alternative arrangements to passengers. Some passengers were prepared to be sent to Navi Mumbai via other flights. Some were given the option of a refund.

According to airline sources, the technical fault is being investigated. Thus, the aircraft will only be re-inducted into service after it is declared completely safe.

22/04/2026 Bhaskar English

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Gorakhpur-Mumbai Flight Makes Emergency Landing At Nagpur Airport After Passenger Dies Mid-Air

 A SpiceJet flight from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai made an emergency landing at the Nagpur airport after the mid-air death of a 60-year-old passenger. The incident occurred on Monday (April 20) as the aircraft was forced to land at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.

The deceased has been identified as Suman Kumar Chaudhary, a resident of Gorakhpur, who was travelling with his wife and son. The incident occurred aboard flight SG-555, which took off from Gorakhpur at around 08.04 pm.

Chaudhary, who was seated in 6B, fell ill during his flight journey. He lost consciousness, which triggered panic among fellow passengers. Due to a medical emergency, the pilot diverted to Nagpur airport and landed at 10 pm.

22/04/2026 Lokmat Times

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Mumbai–Jaipur flight delayed by 7 hours:Passengers create ruckus at SpiceJet counter; cite lack of facilities

Around 180 passengers travelling to Jaipur faced a 7.5-hour delay at the airport after SpiceJet’s Mumbai–Jaipur flight SG-169 was repeatedly rescheduled.

Frequent timing changes, lack of proper updates, and absence of basic facilities like food and drinking water triggered anger among passengers, who later protested at the airline’s counter at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 8:30 PM, and many passengers had reached the airport as early as 6 PM, but it failed to take off on time.

The airline first announced the new flight time as 9:10 PM. After that, the time was changed again to 12:25 AM.

Due to continuously changing timings and a lack of clear information, the passengers' distress kept increasing. Finally, the flight was able to depart from Mumbai for Jaipur at 1:33 AM, landing at Jaipur Airport at 3:10 AM.

Passengers alleged that SpiceJet failed to provide accurate information about the delay and kept changing departure timings without explaining the reason. Many said they waited for hours without adequate food and drinking water.

22/04/2026 Bhaskar English

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Odisha approves 10 new flight routes to expand regional air connectivity, boost tourism

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Tuesday approved 10 new flight routes, focusing on connecting Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with key cities and developing regional airports.

A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level committee meeting presided over by chief secretary Anu Garg. These routes, likely to be operated by Star Air using smaller aircraft, prioritise destinations such as Tirupati, Surat, Bhopal and Shirdi.

Officials said the proposed routes include flights from Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda to Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Puri, Kolkata and Ujjain. The committee also discussed plans to upgrade airstrips at Satibhata, Jamadarpalli, Raisuan, Amarda Road and Gotma.

The state cabinet had recently approved Rs 4,182 crore B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network) scheme for 2025-30. The airstrips will be developed under the scheme for which over `500 crore has been approved. Besides, heliports are being developed in districts lacking air connectivity including Nabarangpur and Phulbani, and in Taratarini.

Officials said the initiatives, including the development of new airstrips and the expansion of existing airports in Jeypore and Tusura, are part of a larger plan to strengthen the aviation sector in Odisha.

22/04/2026 New Indian Express

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Air India official flags rising costs, crew strain as geopolitical tensions disrupt travel

New Delhi, Disruptions emanating from the ongoing West Asia conflict are impacting the aviation sector, an Air India official said on Wednesday, citing longer flight duration, higher operational costs and pressure on crew availability.

In a panel discussion during the WION ICONIC Travel & Tourism Summit 2026, Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India and Air India Express, said, "What impacts Air India or aviation is multi-fold. We already had a part airspace closure for us, and after this Middle East crisis, the journey of a flight which goes to Europe or the US has significantly gone up".

According to him, it doesn't only mean higher fuel costs.

"We have a crew restriction, where a crew can fly a particular number of hours, and the same aircraft, which used to take 13 hours, will start taking around 17-18 hours. There is an immediate shortage of cockpit crew and cabin crew as well," Puri said.

22/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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VistaJet Moves To Reclaim Two Bombardier Jets Leased To Anil Ambani’s RTTL; Reliance Subsidiary To Be Left With Only Two Aircraft

Mumbai: Malta-based luxury charter operator and lessor VistaJet has moved to terminate its leasing arrangement with Anil Ambani’s Reliance Transport & Travel Pvt. Ltd (RTTL). While the lessor has requested the Indian aviation regulator the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to de-register two of its Bombardier jets operated by RTTL, the latter stated that they have not defaulted on any payments against the lease.

VistaJet filed an irrevocable de-registration and export request authorisation (IDERA) for two Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft, registered in India as VT-JSK and VT-VIV, last week. The move is a formal push to repatriate the long-range business jets, based in Nanded and operated by the Reliance Group subsidiary.

​The IDERA is a powerful legal tool under the international treaty of Cape Town Convention, which protects the rights of aircraft lessors and financiers. The treaty mandates that once an IDERA is invoked, the host country’s aviation regulator – in this case, the DGCA – is mandated to de-register the aircraft and facilitate its export.

According to sources, the Indian regulator is in the final stages of approving the request. The DGCA has already dispatched communications on Friday to various stakeholders, including airport operators and fuel suppliers, to verify if there are any outstanding dues against the two airframes before they are cleared for departure.

21/04/2026 Dhairya Gajara/Free Press Journal

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Karnataka plans 10-year redevelopment of HAL campus into aerospace hub

The Karnataka government is preparing a 10-year plan to redevelop the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) airport campus in Bengaluru into an integrated aviation district spanning defence, civil and space sectors, officials familiar with the proposal told The Times of India.

The proposed HAL Aerospace Renaissance Masterplan (2026–2036), drafted by the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC), has been submitted to chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh for onward clearance from the Centre. The plan outlines the redevelopment of nearly 700 acres into a consolidated ecosystem covering military aviation, commercial operations, space mobility and emerging aerospace technologies.

If approved, the project aims to position Bengaluru alongside established global aerospace hubs such as Toulouse, Hamburg and Seattle by 2036.

The blueprint proposes the creation of a joint state–Centre implementation authority to expedite approvals, manage land use and coordinate across ministries. It also envisages a digital control tower to monitor maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) output, research and development activity, and clean energy adoption across the district.

However, the proposal remains contingent on central approval, as the airport falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence. In official communication to the state’s infrastructure development department, it was noted that decisions on redevelopment, land-use optimisation and integration with broader aerospace initiatives must be taken at the ministry level.

Officials have suggested aligning the project with existing industrial corridors, including the Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor and the Bengaluru–Mumbai Economic Corridor, to strengthen logistics and trade connectivity.

According to Mohandas Hegde, a KSPPC member, the project—if executed through a public-private partnership or joint venture involving global aerospace firms and domestic institutions—could generate over $20 billion in economic output and create more than 200,000 high-skilled jobs.

22/04/2026 ET Infra

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Air India eyes 15–20% flight cuts amid fuel cost pressures, operational challenges

After reportedly posting a loss of around ₹20,000 crore ($2.4 billion) in FY26, Tata Group-led Air India is planning to curtail operations amid rising jet fuel prices and operational challenges, industry sources told businessline.

According to sources, the airline is evaluating a 15–20 per cent reduction in flight operations, while at the group level, the curtailment may be restricted to 10–15 per cent.

Air India did not respond to queries on the reported review of its flight schedule despite multiple messages and e-mails.

The proposed cut could impact around more than 100 flights out of over 1,100 daily (approximately) flights operated by Air India Group. 

On a standalone basis, Air India currently operates more than 700 flights daily serving multiple domestic and international destinations through its network.  

The proposed move is expected to affect airfares and capacity during the peak travel season.

Sources said international routes are expected to bear the brunt of the cuts as higher operating costs weigh on aircraft utilisation and route economics.

The airline has been reviewing capacity deployment across its network in response to mounting operational pressures, particularly on overseas routes where extended flying times have reduced aircraft productivity and increased crew and fuel expenses.

In terms of sectors, the proposed reduction is expected to be concentrated largely on international services, especially long-haul routes to Europe and North America.

22/04/2026 Rohit Vaid/Business Line

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Beijing-Delhi direct flights resume as India, China reset ties, aim at expanding air connectivity

India and China are all set to expand air connectivity with resumption of direct flights between Delhi and Beijing from Tuesday, marking the second route to India to be restored this month. 

The service will operate three times a week — on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — using an Airbus A330 aircraft. Economy class fares are expected to start from 3,570 yuan (approximately USD 523), with departure scheduled at 3:15 pm from Beijing and arrival in Delhi at 8:20 pm local time.

Flight connections between India and China are slowly returning to normal. China Eastern Airlines restarted its direct Kunming–Kolkata flights on April 18, operating six return flights a week using Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline said this will make travel easier and improve people-to-people ties. Earlier, it had also resumed the Shanghai–Delhi route in November 2025.

On the Indian side, IndiGo has expanded its services to China. It started a daily non-stop flight between Kolkata and Shanghai on March 30, along with earlier resumed flights to Guangzhou and new routes from Delhi. The airline is using A320neo aircraft for these services.

22/04/2026 Jasleen Kaur Gulati/PTC News

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Delta TechOps advances global engine leadership, expands into India supporting IndiGo’s CFM56-5B engines

Delta TechOps is extending its position as a global leader in engine maintenance through an eight-year exclusive CFM56‑5B maintenance contract with IndiGo, India’s preferred airline. The partnership expands TechOps’ industry leading engine expertise into the world’s third-largest aviation market, marking the first major collaboration between the two companies and a new presence for TechOps in India. 

Under the arrangement, TechOps is providing support for 20 engines powering IndiGo’s A320ceo fleet, which joins a growing number of airlines that choose TechOps’ deep CFM56 expertise, global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) scale and operational capabilities to support high‑utilization fleets.  

“India represents one of the most dynamic, fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, and this partnership positions Delta TechOps at the center of that growth. High-utilization fleets require more than technical expertise; these fleets demand reliability, scale and consistent execution,” said Marc Meredith, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Operator for Delta TechOps. “Delta TechOps has built these capabilities over decades, and that’s why IndiGo selected us for this exclusive CFM56 partnership as we expand our global MRO footprint.”  

  IndiGo operates one of the world’s largest A320 fleets and continues to invest significantly in narrowbody growth, with additional A320neo and A321neo aircraft on order well into the next decade.  

22/04/2026 Delta

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