Akasa Air adds 38th aircraft; expansion plan gains ground amid rising air travel demand in India

In a fresh push to scale up operations in India’s fast-growing aviation market, Akasa Air on Tuesday inducted its 38th aircraft, marking its seventh addition in just the first four months of 2026. The move reflects the airline’s steady expansion strategy as competition intensifies and passenger demand continues to climb across domestic and international routes.

The newly added aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 bearing registration VT-YBK, landed at Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday after completing a multi-stop delivery journey from Seattle to Reykjavik and then via Cairo to Bengaluru. The long ferry route underlines the scale of global logistics involved in fleet expansion as Indian carriers race to add capacity.

According to airline officials, this latest induction is expected to strengthen Akasa Air’s network and improve connectivity at a time when India’s aviation sector is witnessing sustained growth in passenger traffic. Since starting operations in August 2022, the airline has followed a calibrated approach to fleet addition, steadily increasing its footprint without abrupt spikes.

21/04/2026 Shekhar Singh/Tribune

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India’s logistics and air cargo sector gears up for major industry event in Mumbai

India’s logistics and air cargo sector is set for a significant expansion with the 11th edition of air cargo India 2026, creating one of the country’s largest integrated platforms for supply chain and cargo stakeholders. The logistics and cargo sector plays a vital role in driving trade, ensuring efficient supply chains, and supporting economic growth by enabling the seamless movement of goods across regions and industries.

Scheduled from February 25 to 27 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, the co-located trade fairs reflect the growing scale and strategic importance of India’s multimodal logistics ecosystem.

The exhibition footprint of air cargo India has expanded by 43 per cent compared to its previous edition, signalling rising industry participation and growing demand for collaborative logistics solutions. The combined events are expected to feature more than 300 Indian and international exhibitors, bringing together airlines, logistics providers, cargo infrastructure companies, manufacturers and technology innovators under one roof.

Adding visibility to the inaugural edition of transport logistic India, former international cricketer AB de Villiers has been appointed as the brand ambassador. Known globally for his adaptability and performance-driven approach, his association reflects the sector’s focus on efficiency, innovation and execution.

Major global and domestic players including Air India, IndiGo, Maersk, DHL Logistics, Emirates SkyCargo, Boeing and Bosch are among the participating organisations. The event is also expected to draw demand-side leaders such as Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, Mahindra & Mahindra and Larsen & Toubro, highlighting strong industry interest across manufacturing and trade sectors.

20/04/2026 DD News

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Thales and Air India sign 10-year FlytCARE agreement for IFE maintenance

 Thales today announced that Air India, India’s leading global airline, has signed a 10-year agreement with Thales for its FlytCARE services package. This agreement provides a full turn-key maintenance approach, covering line maintenance, spares, repairs and logistics management support for Thales’ inflight entertainment (IFE) systems on 57 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Under the FlytCARE agreement, repair and maintenance will be delivered from Thales locations at Delhi and Mumbai airports in India, to expedite services and support Air India's customer-centric modernization journey.

This agreement covers Air India’s 12 new widebody aircraft equipped with Thales’ AVANT UP inflight entertainment system. AVANT UP features a vast catalogue of content showcased on stunning 4K HDR touchscreens, along with 60W USB-C and USB-A fast charging for customer devices, and the ability to simultaneously pair two Bluetooth connections. Air India is the first carrier in the Asia Pacific region to fly with Thales’ AVANT Up solution.

Thales is honored to build on the enduring relationship with Air India to support the airline’s transformation in constantly improving the passenger entertainment experience.

Jeremy Yew, Senior Vice President – Engineering & Maintenance, Air India “Ensuring the highest levels of reliability and uptime for our inflight entertainment systems is critical to delivering a world‑class experience for our guests. Our partnership with Thales under the FlytCARE programme strengthens Air India’s engineering ecosystem with faster turnaround, deeper technical support, and enhanced component availability. This collaboration directly supports our fleet modernization and our commitment to engineering excellence.”

21/04/2026 Thales

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Air India Express Onboards As Airline Partner For TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026

Air India Express has come on board as the Official Airline Partner for all Procam International races, beginning with the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026. The partnership focuses on enhancing the complete runner journey—extending beyond race day to seamless travel experiences.

Air India Express and Procam have introduced a unique ‘Runner’s Passport’ experience, turning every race into a journey worth collecting. Through the Runner’s Passport Activation, Air India Express highlights the journeys runners undertake across cities and years. The initiative encourages participants to ‘Run Bengaluru, Fly Xpress’ with flight discounts of up to 20%.

Each participant will receive a specially designed passport at the Expo, which transforms into a personal keepsake across the running season. Upon successful completion of their race, runners will earn an exclusive stamp—distinct for every distance—with the World 10K in Bengaluru featuring a signature colour stamp. Over time, this passport evolves into a cherished memorabilia, capturing milestones, achievements, and the spirit of every finish line much like a personal running logbook.

On Race Day, at the venue, Air India Express will further support runners through baggage management services, allowing participants to focus entirely on their run without logistical concerns.

21/04/2026 Everything Expreriential

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Malda Mango Association urges reopening airport for direct exports

The Malda Mango Association has called for the reopening of Malda airport to enable direct export of mangoes from the district, which is known for having one of the highest mango outputs in India.

With production expected to reach around 4-5 lakh metric tonnes this year--similar to previous years--an operational air cargo facility would allow traders to export mangoes directly to international markets. This, in turn, could ensure better returns for orchard owners and farmers. Traders have also urged the establishment of mango-based processing industries and the provision of necessary government certifications to facilitate exports.

Their demands come at a time when West Bengal is witnessing a two-phase Assembly election, scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

Ujjal Saha, President of Malda Merchant Association, told ANI that India's highest mango production takes place in West Bengal, and within the state, Malda district has the highest output. "There is a possibility of producing around 5 lakh metric tons of mangoes here. Malda is known across India as the "Mango City," and its mangoes are famous nationwide," Saha said.

21/04/2026 ANI/Asianet News

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Diaspora: Over 11 Lakh Passengers Travel Back To India During West Asia Conflict:

 As the two-week ceasefire window in West Asia inches closer to the end on April 22, India has evacuated over 11 lakh passengers from the region through continuous flight ops from various countries in the region, to alternate routes.

The details were shared by Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, during an inter-ministerial press briefing here in the national capital on Monday.

Mahajan said that flights continue to operate from the region to India from countries where airspace is open. “Since February 28th, around 11,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India. Around 110 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India today.”

He added that flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India. With the Qatar airspace partially open. Today, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 10 to 11 flights to various destinations in India.

20/04/2026 ANI/News India

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DGGI arrests mastermind of Rs 1,825 crore GST refund fraud at Delhi airport

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) arrested Kapil Chugh, the alleged mastermind of GST refund frauds involving approximately Rs 1,825 crore, the Ministry of Finance said on Monday. The officials from DGGI Ahmedabad unit arrested Chugh at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi on Sunday (April 19) as he returned from Dubai, the ministry said in a statement.

Chugh ignored as many as 22 summons issued by the DGGI’s Ahmedabad unit, the statement read. He fled to Dubai after committing the GST refund fraud, which spanned multiple jurisdictions and involved fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims on zero-rated supplies.

The investigation revealed that Chugh, along with his close associate Vipin Sharma, devised a network of dummy firms to illegally avail and encash ITC. The entities were registered using borrowed or fake KYC documents. These shell companies lacked any genuine business infrastructure, manpower, or operational activity at their declared addresses.

Dummy proprietors and directors served merely as name-lenders, receiving fixed monthly cash payments, while all key operations—including GST registrations, invoice generation, banking, return filings, and refund claims—were centrally controlled by the accused.

20/04/2026 Financial Express

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Indian national arrested in Sri Lanka for carrying drugs

Colombo: A 35-year-old Indian national was arrested in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for carrying narcotics weighing over one kilogramme, police said.

The Indian national, who has not been identified, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayaka, Adaderana.lk reported.

A foreign national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayaka with a consignment of ‘Kush’ narcotics weighing over one kilogramme, the report said.

The arrested individual has been identified as an Indian national, according to police.

“The suspect was taken into custody during a joint operation carried out by officers of Sri Lanka Customs and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB),” police were quoted as saying by the report.

The Police Narcotics Bureau is conducting further investigations into the incident.

21/04/2026 PTI/Siasat

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Mumbai International Airport to Shut Both Runways for Six Hours on 7 May

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) announced that it will suspend all flight operations between 11:00 and 17:00 IST on 7 May 2026 to carry out critical pre-monsoon runway maintenance. Both primary (09/27) and secondary (14/32) runways will be closed, rendering the airport—the country’s busiest single-runway hub—completely inoperative for six hours. Airport operator MIAL says it began stakeholder consultations six months ago so that airlines could re-time services and issue passenger notifications well in advance. The closure comes after an already-difficult spring in which CSMIA cancelled more than 170 movements on 3 and 8 March when West Asia airspace disruptions forced airlines to rejig rotations.

If these schedule changes require you to reroute through additional countries or secure new transit arrangements, VisaHQ can help simplify the visa process at short notice. Their online platform (https://www.visahq.com/india/) offers quick turnaround times, real-time status tracking and expert support, ensuring travellers remain compliant even when itineraries shift unexpectedly.

21/04/2026 VisaHQ

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Chhattisgarh govt denies reports of private plane crash, says no evidence found

The Chhattisgarh government on Monday dismissed reports of a private aircraft crashing in Jashpur district, saying no such evidence was found. It also said that locals did not report hearing any explosion of the plane crashing on a hillside.

The clarification came after reports suggested that a private plane crashed on the hillside situated in the Jashpur-Narayanpur region, killing both pilots. However, the state government and Ministry of Civil Aviation said there were no reports of the plane crash.

Thick smoke was seen at the site, which authorities probed and later said there was no evidence found.

According to the district administration, reports of smoke rising were received from the Narayanpur area of Jashpur district. Collector Rohit Vyas and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lal Umend Singh reached the spot and conducted an inspection.

Information is being gathered from locals. However, no villagers reported hearing any explosion and no evidence of the crash has been found so far, the state government said.

20/04/2026 Sumi Rajappan/India Today

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Kazakhstan’s airlines ready to expand flights to India - Civil Aviation Committee Chair Tompiyeva

As part of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2026 held in Marrakesh, Morocco, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Transport, Saltanat Tompiyeva, has met with Permanent Representative of India to ICAO Angshumali Rastogi, Qazinform News Agency reports.

Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to ICAO Timur Tlegenov also participated in the meeting.

The sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of civil aviation,with particular emphasis on expanding air traffic between Kazakhstan and India.

Saltanat Tompiyeva noted that the existing regulatory-legal framework between the two countries provides a solid foundation for further development of air traffic.

Currently, Kazakhstan’s Air Astana operates 13 weekly flights between Almaty and Delhi, and three weekly flights between Almaty and Mumbai.

Tompiyeva also said that Kazakhstan’s airlines also intend to launch new flights to India and increase the number of flights along the existing routes.

20/04/2026 Kazinform International News Agency

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A spate of near-misses and weak oversight exposes the strain beneath India’s aviation growth story

The routine stress faced by airline passengers—chronic delays, patchy customer service, and the occasional safety scare—is well documented. Consider this: on April 16, a SpiceJet Boeing 737 taxiing at Delhi airport struck a stationary Akasa Air aircraft, damaging its winglet and the horizontal stabiliser of the Akasa plane.

Two months earlier, two planes carrying passengers—an Air India jet and an IndiGo flight—were involved in a minor collision at Mumbai airport when the right wing tips of the two aircraft scraped against each other. India’s aviation sector has been in prolonged turbulence. The Air India crash in June 2025, which killed 260 people, remains a grim reminder of the industry’s vulnerabilities.

It is not as if the government is unaware. A 2026 report by a Parliamentary Standing Committee revealed that 377 of 754 commercial aircraft—nearly half—recorded recurring technical defects between January 2025 and February 2026. IndiGo topped the list: of the 405 aircraft examined, 148 had recurring issues.

Meanwhile, 191 of the 267 aircraft operated by Air India and Air India Express were found to have persistent technical problems. The report also flagged around 100 safety lapses, including seven Level 1 violations requiring immediate corrective action. Yet the crisis runs deeper than faulty aircraft.

The industry is grappling with staff shortages, violations of flight duty time norms, lapses in quality assurance, unauthorised cockpit access, and even instances of aircraft operating with expired emergency equipment. The chaos at IndiGo counters last December exposed these systemic weaknesses.

21/04/2026 Financial Express

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SriLankan Airlines adds Ahmedabad as its 10th destination in India

Sri Lanka has always been a top destination for Indian travellers as its national carrier SriLankan Airlines has long made it a mission to bring India closer to Sri Lanka and the world. With close to 90 weekly flights between the two countries, and more to come, the airline has never been more energised about setting the pace for India’s expanding global footprint. For SriLankan, India is its largest market, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the airline’s total passenger traffic and 23 per cent of overall visitor arrivals to the island.

Building on this momentum, the SriLankan Airlines is poised to enhance its India operations in 2026 through targeted strategic initiatives which will strengthen its connectivity and reinforce the relation between the two nations.

In the current year, SriLankan Airlines will increase its weekly India services and further start new direct flight to the tenth Indian destination at Ahmedabad. At present, the airlines operate direct flights to Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli.

With the addition of Ahmedabad, SriLankan Airlines will serve six of India’s eight major metropolitan hubs, further diversifying its India portfolio and boosting route economics by capitalising on year-round demand and strong cultural ties between the two countries. These initiatives are projected to increase Indian passenger traffic across the airline’s network by up to 12 per cent this year.

21/04/2026 Aviation World

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Air India makeover: Aviation giant upgrades cabins, lounges to boost revenue

Air India is beginning a makeover of its older planes, rolling out upgraded cabins on older aircraft, inducting new planes, and introducing premium airport lounges as part of a broader push to strengthen revenue and return to profitability. The airline is now shifting its focus on high-value passengers to improve earnings and move back towards profitability.

The airline is investing around $400 million (Rs 3,622 crore) to upgrade inflight cabins across its wide-body fleet, including Boeing 787s and earlier 777 aircraft, which have faced passenger complaints over worn seating and declining food quality.

The Tata Group-owned carrier is laying emphasis on premium traffic, with chief customer officer Rajesh Dogra confirming that eight Boeing 787-8 aircraft will operate this year with fully refurbished interiors, ET reported.

Earlier on Sunday, Air India presented the first of its retrofitted Boeing 787 aircraft, which is set to enter service on European routes shortly. The upgraded business class features suite-style seating with sliding privacy doors, along with enclosed storage compartments, redesigned seat controls, and adjustable armrests that include built-in water-bottle storage. The aircraft was originally delivered to Air India in 2015, during its state ownership phase.

"The cabin quality has been one of the major pain points in our transformation journey and one which we always wanted to address. We are rapidly modernising the backbone of our long-haul fleet and raising the bar for customers flying between India and the world," Dogra told the financial agency.

Alongside fleet upgrades, the airline is also set to induct around six wide-body aircraft this year and expand its ground infrastructure with new premium lounges at key international gateways, including San Francisco and New York. In February, it inaugurated its first such lounge in Delhi, its primary hub.

21/04/2026 Times of India

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India's Melstarr Aviation Learning Academy Orders 20 Bristell B23 Aircraft as Launch Customer in EUR 20 Million FTO Investment

Melstarr Aviation Learning Academy (MALA) has placed an order for 20 Bristell B23 aircraft as the foundation of its training fleet, part of a broader EUR 20 million (approximately USD 22 million) investment in establishing a new Flight Training Organisation at Kurnool Airport, Andhra Pradesh, with the goal of training 200 pilots annually from 2027.

The order for 20 Bristell B23 aircraft makes MALA the launch customer for the type, representing a significant fleet commitment for a greenfield Indian FTO and a notable export order for Czech manufacturer BRM Aero.

The Bristell B23 features a BRS ballistic rescue system, advanced Garmin avionics, autopilot capability, and an all-metal certified airframe — characteristics MALA cites as aligned with its training philosophy of combining safety, technology, and operational excellence.

The EUR 20 million investment encompasses both fleet acquisition and the development of the Kurnool Airport FTO base, with MALA positioned as a next-generation flight training organisation designed to produce industry-ready pilots for India's expanding aviation sector.

MALA targets an annual output of 200 fully trained pilots from 2027 onwards, contributing to a domestic pilot pipeline in a market where India is projected to need approximately 22,000 new pilots by 2034.

21/04/2026 AFM

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China Eastern Airlines resumes direct flights between Kolkata and Kunming

China Eastern Airlines has restarted direct flights connecting Kolkata and Kunming. The move strengthens air travel between India and China. The flights will operate six times week. This route is important for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Passengers can connect to many Chinese cities. More routes are planned for India.

Strengthening aviation links between India and China, China Eastern Airlines resumed its direct flights between Kolkata and Kunming on 19 April 2026. Following the successful relaunch of its Delhi–Shanghai service last year, this strategic resumption delivers on the airline’s commitment to strengthen the air connectivity between the two nations.

The flights on this new route will operate six times weekly, featuring both Business and Economy Class cabins.

The inaugural event was formally marked with a lamp lighting ceremony at Kolkata Airport. Liu Yonghong, General Manager – India, China

Eastern Airlines, and JB Singh, Director, InterGlobe Air Transport, were joined by Xu Wei, Consul-General, and Qin Yong, Deputy ConsulGeneral, from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, alongside top officials from the Airports Authority of India and Immigration, to commemorate the launch of the landmark route.

21/04/2026 Economic Times

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Pakistan Further Extends Airspace Ban On Indian Airlines Till May 24

Pakistan on Tuesday further extended the ban on Indian aircraft from using its airspace for another month. Pakistan has kept its airspace shut to Indian flights since April 24, 2025, a move that reportedly caused a loss of billions of rupees to the Indian airlines.

The Pakistan Airports Authority said in the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that "all Indian-registered, leased, commercial and military aircraft will remain barred from Pakistani airspace until 5 am on May 24, 2026." The notice was issued days before the previous one was set to expire on April 24.

Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines following tension in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, for which New Delhi blamed Islamabad. Pakistan, however, rejected the allegations and also called for a transparent inquiry.

India, in response, also closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines. Pakistan has imposed such restrictions on India for the first time. 

21/04/2026 PTI/NDTV Profit

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Akasa Air adds 38th aircraft; expansion plan gains ground amid rising air travel demand in India

In a fresh push to scale up operations in India’s fast-growing aviation market, Akasa Air on Tuesday inducted its 38th aircraft, marking its seventh addition in just the first four months of 2026. The move reflects the airline’s steady expansion strategy as competition intensifies and passenger demand continues to climb across domestic and international routes.

The newly added aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 bearing registration VT-YBK, landed at Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday after completing a multi-stop delivery journey from Seattle to Reykjavik and then via Cairo to Bengaluru. The long ferry route underlines the scale of global logistics involved in fleet expansion as Indian carriers race to add capacity.

According to airline officials, this latest induction is expected to strengthen Akasa Air’s network and improve connectivity at a time when India’s aviation sector is witnessing sustained growth in passenger traffic. Since starting operations in August 2022, the airline has followed a calibrated approach to fleet addition, steadily increasing its footprint without abrupt spikes.

The aircraft comes fitted with Safran Z200 seats, offering a four-inch recline, improved cushioning, and ergonomic back support. The inclusion of USB-C and USB-A charging ports signals a focus on passenger convenience, especially for frequent flyers and digitally connected travellers.

21/04/2026 Shekhar Singh/Tribune

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FedEx completes India's first intra-city drone delivery flight trials in Bengaluru

Express transportation firm Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) on Tuesday said it has completed India's first intra-city drone delivery flight trials in Bengaluru in collaboration with IIT-Madras.

The trials were conducted under the research framework of the FedEx SMART Centre at IIT Madras, FedEx said in a statement.

Through detailed analysis of aerial corridors, the centre established that a 53-km road journey, which typically takes over 60 minutes, can be replaced by an aerial route of 39-42 km.

During the trials, this reduced one-way transit time to nearly 21 minutes - demonstrating the potential for step-change improvements in time-critical logistics, it said.

The flight path involved coordinated navigation through Airport Yellow and Red Zones, with all necessary permissions granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

"This milestone reflects the FedEx SMART Centre's broader research agenda across air cargo optimisation, electric vehicle integration, and advanced demand forecasting," said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, vice president of marketing, customer experience, and air network for Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA) at FedEx.

21/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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What should have been a summer boom is turning into a period of worries for India’s airlines

https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2026/04/21/indian-airline-turbulence-aviation-industry-challenges.html

What should have been a season of bounty is turning into a period of uncertainty, churn and discontent in India’s airline space. With planes going full and passengers forking out above-average fares to travel domestically for either their summer vacations back home, to pilgrimage spots, or to tourism hubs, it really shouldn’t have been the case.

Yet, the truth is that India’s aviation majors are in an unhappy state of mind. And to blame it all on the obvious—the conflict in the Middle East—leading to a spike in fuel costs, is to miss all the turbulence hiding in plain sight.

First and foremost, there is the internal strife going on in both IndiGo and Air India, which, between them, control about 91 per cent of India’s domestic passenger air travel.

Both airlines saw their CEOs ousted internally, as multiple pressures reached a boiling point. Indigo CEO Pieter Elbers, whose days were numbered after the airline’s meltdown back in winter saw hundreds of flights cancelled and impacting anywhere upto 4 lakh passengers, bowed out, with founder Rahul Bhatia quickly replacing him with Willie Walsh, the former chief of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a veteran of airline companies such as British Airways and Aer Lingus (Ireland).

At Air India, things are murkier. CEO Campbell Wilson put in his papers on April 7, though he continues to run the airline until the Tatas find a replacement. To make matters worse, questions have been raised in Tata Sons boardrooms about thousands of crores of rupees being invested in the airline, in what is turning out to be a bottomless pit—with no sign of any distinct resurgence or revamp (unless you are happy with Manish Malhotra uniforms and a new logo).

Worse, the repeated pampering of the ‘white elephant’ even became a question hanging over the reinstatement of N.Chandrasekharan as Tata Sons chairman in the board meeting, the hint being as to why, even into its fourth year of a five-year transformation plan, the airline seems to be ambling along without any marked difference.

The irony couldn’t be more stark. The situation, at least on paper, is ripe for Air India to knock it out of the park, considering how the Iran war has weakened the Middle East biggies. For the last two decades or so, Dubai’s Emirates (and to a smaller extent, Qatar and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad) had lorded it over international air traffic globally, much of that success riding on its hub-and-spoke model of bringing in international passengers from dense markets like India, China and Australia for onward travel into Europe and the US. And back. 

21/04/2026 K Sunil Thomas/The Week

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EU-India free trade agreement can further accelerate cooperation in aviation sector: German Consulate General

Bengaluru: Annett Baessler, deputy consul general of the German Consulate General in Bengaluru, highlighted the potential of the proposed EU–India Free Trade Agreement to significantly boost collaboration in the aviation sector.

Speaking at the 9th International Conference on the Future of Aviation and Aerospace 2026, hosted by IIM Bangalore in partnership with TBS Education, France, she emphasized opportunities in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), workforce development, and deeper sectoral integration, which could create a strong new momentum between India and Europe.

She noted that Europe's highly integrated aviation market gives German and European companies a competitive edge globally. India, currently the fifth-largest aviation market, is expected to become the third-largest within a decade and is emerging as a major manufacturing and design hub. European firms are actively supporting this growth, with Airbus alone holding around 1,250 aircraft orders from Indian clients. Additionally, India's MRO sector is projected to reach $9.5 billion in the coming decade.

Prof S Raghunath, conference chair at IIMB, said, "Our opportunity lies in leading in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), as well as lifecycle intelligence. This is an area where we are more than capable. For decades, we have been the IT backbone of the world. Given that strength, it is not difficult for us to recognise a simple reality: While aircraft sales generate revenue, far greater value lies in keeping those aircraft operational. We already have the technology, the engineering talent, and the skilled workforce needed to capitalise on it."

20/04/2026 Times of India

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India's tourism and hospitality sector faces external shocks due to West Asia conflict; aviation sector most impacted: PHDCCI

PHDCCI released its report, Impact of the West Asia Conflict on Indias Tourism, Aviation & Hospitality Sectors, highlighting significant disruptions across aviation, inbound tourism, hospitality and restaurant segments, even as strong domestic demand continues to support overall sector stability. Indias tourism and hospitality sector, which contributes nearly 8% to GDP and supports over 40 million jobs, is once again facing external shocks due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The report notes that while the sector had witnessed a strong V-shaped recovery in 2025, with branded hotel inventory nearing 200,000 rooms and domestic aviation traffic crossing 5 lakh passengers per day, the West Asia conflict in early 2026 has introduced fresh volatility.

The aviation sector has emerged as the most impacted, with airlines facing flight cancellations, airspace restrictions and significant rerouting of international flights. These disruptions have increased flying time by 24 hours on key routes, leading to a sharp rise in fuel consumption and operating costs. Industry estimates indicate that fuel accounts for 35-40% of airline operating costs and the ongoing situation has further strained airline profitability. The disruption of Middle East air corridors which is among the busiest global transit routes has also reduced connectivity efficiency and increased airfares.

The report highlights a 1520% decline in inbound tourist traffic, particularly in leisure travel, as global travellers adopt a cautious approach amid geopolitical uncertainty. Outbound travel patterns have also shifted, with Indian travellers increasingly preferring short-haul destinations such as Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, while long-haul and transit-dependent routes have seen moderation due to geopolitical risks.

20/04/2026 Business Standard

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Air India pushes agentic AI for next phase of digital growth

Air India is stepping up investments in agentic AI as it moves into the next phase of its digital transformation, with senior executives indicating that automation at scale is beginning to deliver operational and cost benefits.

In an interaction with Fe, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India, Satya Ramaswamy said the airline is deploying over 30 artificial intelligence-led initiatives across customer service, operations and engineering, as it seeks to deepen digital engagement and reduce manual intervention.

“We want to be the world’s most technologically advanced airline,” Ramaswamy said. “Agentic AI is a very transformative shift as it allows machines to integrate with humans, understand context and act autonomously in ways that were not possible earlier.”

The airline’s early AI deployments are already showing measurable outcomes. Its generative AI-powered virtual assistant has handled more than 20 million customer queries so far, with 97% resolved without human intervention. Nearly half of all customer interactions are now managed digitally.

20/04/2026 Akbar Merchant/Financial Express

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4 Hours Of Mid-Air Horror: Flyers Seen Praying, Crying On Fly91 Flight

Bengaluru: The Fly91 Airlines flight IC3401 (ATR turboprop AT7), which flew out of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at around 3 PM yesterday, was scheduled to land in Hubballi at 4:30 PM. However, as the aircraft approached Hubballi, it expereicned bad weather, forcing pilots to abort landing.

The flight remained airborne for nearly four hours, circling over regions including Mundgod, Davanagere, and Shivamogga, as efforts were made to manage the situation and ensure a safe landing.

4 Hours Of Mid-Air Horror: Flyers Seen Praying, Crying On Fly91 FlightThe regional airline maintains that the flight "did not develop any technical snag".

Passengers onboard were gripped with fear, with many praying and breaking down in tears.

The Fly91 Airlines flight IC3401 (ATR turboprop AT7), which flew out of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at around 3 PM yesterday, was scheduled to land in Hubballi at 4:30 PM. However, as the aircraft approached Hubballi, it experienced bad weather, forcing pilots to abort landing.

The flight remained airborne for nearly four hours, circling over regions including Mundgod, Davanagere, and Shivamogga, as efforts were made to manage the situation and ensure a safe landing.

The passengers were heard telling the pilot to go back to Bengaluru.

"Ask the pilot to go to Bengaluru. Or we can go to Belgaum at least," a passenger could be heard saying.

Meanwhile, family members of passengers expressed anger against Fly91 Airlines, alleging a lack of communication and negligence, claiming that no proper updates were provided.

The regional airline maintains that the flight "did not develop any technical snag".  

"The flight IC3401 flying from Hyderabad to Hubballi did not develop any technical snag as is being reported in some sections of the media. The flight departed from Hyderabad at 1500 hours. On nearing Hubballi, the flight encountered bad weather due to which the flight was diverted to Bengaluru as per standard protocol. The flight subsequently returned to Hubballi and back to its home base in Hyderabad," the airline said in a statement. 

20/04/2026 Reethu Rajpurohit/NDTV

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West Asia war triggers fuel spike: Domestic airfares in India likely to climb further

New Delhi: The ongoing conflict in West Asia has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, causing crude oil prices to surge and directly impacting aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs in India. Indian flyers are feeling the pinch as airlines grapple with these escalating expenses, leading to higher surcharges and steadily climbing ticket prices. What started as a hit to international travel is now spilling over into domestic routes, making everyday journeys more expensive for millions of passengers across the country.

As summer travel season approaches,  the pressure is mounting on domestic routes with experts warning of further increases if tensions persist. Travel platforms and industry leaders are already noting shifts in booking patterns and fare structures. This situation underscores how geopolitical events halfway across the world can disrupt travel plans and budgets right here in India, prompting flyers to rethink their strategies.

Global crude oil costs have soared due to the West Asia war, driving up aviation turbine fuel (ATF) expenses which dominate airline operating costs. Platforms like EaseMyTrip note domestic one-way fares up by about Rs 1,500 on average, with international routes facing even steeper jumps of Rs 15,000.

SNVA Traveltech’s Chairman Alok K Singh points out an 8-9 percent fuel cost increase, equating to 20-25 percent overall operational strain. Carriers have introduced surcharges from Rs 200 to Rs 950, and he foresees 5-10 percent fare rises soon if trends hold. So far, domestic airlines have absorbed 8-25 percent of the hike, softening the blow temporarily.

20/04/2026 Ananya Sarma/News Nine

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CBI arrests senior DGCA official, corporate group VP in bribery case

The CBI has arrested a deputy director general of civil aviation and the senior vice president of a major corporate group in a Rs 2.5 lakh bribery case to facilitate the import of drones for another private company, officials said Sunday.

In an operation on Saturday, the CBI arrested M Devula, Deputy Director General at the Airworthiness Directorate, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bharat Mathur, who is also associated with an aerospace company involved in drone technology- Asteria Aerospace Ltd.

The CBI has booked Mathur, Devula and Asteria Aerospace Ltd under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The major corporate group where Mathur was working is not listed as accused in the FIR and is the "ultimate parent company" of Asteria Aerospace, according to Asteria Aerospace's financial statements for 2024-25.

No immediate reaction was available from Asteria Aerospace or the corporate group.

The accused DGCA public servant allegedly demanded undue advantage from private persons in lieu of issuing approvals and permissions for applications pending with DGCA for a private aerospace company, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

"The CBI arrested Deputy Director General at the Airworthiness Directorate, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Headquarters, New Delhi, along with a representative of a private company in a bribery case of Rs 2.5 lakh resulting in the seizure of the entire amount," it said.

The CBI conducted searches at the premises of the accused public servant and other private persons across four locations in Delhi, resulting in the seizure of cash worth Rs 37 lakh along with gold and silver coins and multiple digital devices, the statement added.

19/04/2026 PTI/Business Standard

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H-1B fears rise as pilot training debate intensifies

A viral social media post has ignited concern across the Indian American community, focusing on private-plane pilots, amplifying anxieties around immigration policy, and thrusting the U.S. aviation training sector into an unexpected spotlight.

The post, widely circulated on X, drew backlash for remarks that many users described as inflammatory and misleading. Critics said the rhetoric unfairly targeted Indian professionals and students, escalating tensions at a time when immigration debates are already deeply polarized.

Much of the concern centers on the H-1B visa program, a critical pathway for highly skilled workers, many of whom come from India. The technology and healthcare sectors depend heavily on these professionals, but observers claim the current climate of uncertainty is spreading into adjacent industries, including aviation.

In particular, the post’s references to private pilot courses have sparked alarm among international students and flight schools alike. The United States has long been a global hub for aviation training, attracting thousands of students each year due to advanced infrastructure, favorable weather conditions, and globally recognized certifications. Indian students represent a significant share of that pipeline.

Industry experts warn that heightened scrutiny or negative sentiment could disrupt this ecosystem. Flight training academies rely on international enrollment to sustain operations, while airlines worldwide depend on a steady supply of trained pilots to address ongoing shortages.  Barriers, whether policy-driven or perception-based, could ripple across the broader aviation workforce.

19/04/2026 Jayujyoti Mullick/American Bazar

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Mumbai Airport Fines Ground Handler Rs 10 Lakh for Damaging Gulf Air Aircraft

A ground handling incident at Mumbai International Airport on April 10 has led to a Rs 10 lakh fine for AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL). During a towing operation, a detached dolly struck and damaged a parked Gulf Air aircraft's airframe. The aircraft was grounded as 'Aircraft on Ground' (AOG), disrupting Gulf Air's flight schedules. Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), owned by the Adani Group, has called the incident a serious safety lapse with significant reputational damage. Such operational failures can impact the broader Indian aviation sector, which is projected for substantial growth. MIAL also reserved rights for further compensation due to the incident.

The Rs 10 lakh fine may be only part of the financial damage. MIAL noted substantial financial and commercial losses, including lost revenue from services related to the grounded aircraft. The incident also caused operational inefficiencies and reduced capacity at the busy Mumbai airport. AIASL, a major ground handler operating at 113 airports, could see its reputation suffer, potentially impacting future contracts. Regulators like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) closely watch ground handling incidents, having previously fined entities like MIAL for other violations, indicating a strict stance.

The incident highlights potential underlying issues within ground handling services, a critical but often outsourced part of airport operations. AIASL, despite its extensive operations, has faced past criticism. In 2022, Air India raised concerns about AIASL, citing delays, staffing shortages, equipment issues, and staff conduct. These recurring problems suggest that underlying causes of operational failures might persist despite fines. This risk is heightened as airport operators invest in safety and automation, especially amid increased international scrutiny on ground safety. Mumbai airport's capacity, already strained by major investment plans and expected passenger growth, is further threatened by such events. India's air traffic control (ATC) also faces strain from staff shortages, which can indirectly affect ground operations and overall airport efficiency.

19/04/2026 Vihaan Mehta/Whalesbook

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2 Americans detained at Srinagar airport after satellite phone found in luggage

Two US nationals were detained at Srinagar airport on Sunday after security officials found a satellite phone, a prohibited item, in their luggage during a routine check.

The individuals were questioned by airport security and later handed over to police for further investigation.

One of the detained individuals was identified as Jeffrey Scott from Montana. Officials said the satellite phone, manufactured by Garmin, was recovered from his luggage.

The use of satellite phones is prohibited in India without prior government approval. Devices such as Thuraya and Iridium phones fall under strict regulation, and unauthorised possession can lead to detention, arrest and seizure under the Indian Telegraph Act and other security rules.

According to official guidelines, travellers must obtain written permission from the Department of Telecommunications before carrying or using satellite communication devices in the country.

India enforces stringent telecom restrictions due to security concerns, and both foreign nationals and Indian citizens have faced action in the past for carrying satellite communicators.

Last May, a US-based ophthalmologist was stopped at Puducherry airport after an Iridium satellite phone was found in her possession. She was prevented from boarding a flight to Hyderabad, and a police investigation was initiated.

Authorities have also reported previous detentions involving foreign nationals, including a Chinese citizen and a British executive, for carrying unauthorised satellite devices at airports and hotels across the country.

19/04/2026 Mir Fareed/India Today

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Adani sets up 3 subsidiaries for real estate business near airports

Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has announced the incorporation of three new wholly owned subsidiaries focused on real estate and hospitality developments near its airport projects. The move, disclosed in a regulatory filing on April 18, 2026, signals a strategic push by the conglomerate to monetise and develop land parcels surrounding its aviation hubs.

Adani Enterprises has informed the BSE and National Stock Exchange that its step-down wholly owned subsidiary, Adani Airport City Limited, has incorporated three new wholly owned subsidiaries. These new entities—Adani Navi Mumbai Airport City Limited (ANMACL), Adani Guwahati Airport City Limited (AGACL), and Adani Ahmedabad Airport City Limited (AAACL)—were all incorporated in India on April 6, 2026.

The primary business objective for these subsidiaries falls under real estate activities. Specifically, ANMACL, AGACL, and AAACL are set to engage in the development, leasing, and construction of buildings, as well as the management of integrated hotels, restaurants, banquets, and business centres.

Each of the three companies has been established with a paid-up share capital of Rs10,00,000, consisting of 100,000 equity shares at a face value of Rs10 per share. Adani Airport City Limited holds 100% of the shareholding in each entity, maintaining them as wholly owned subsidiaries within the broader Adani Enterprises corporate structure. The incorporation was completed via cash consideration and did not require any specific governmental or regulatory approvals.

19/04/2026 New Indian Express

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Mumbai airport conman dupes flyers by posing as Nagpur student seeking ticket money

Mumbai: Police warned flyers that a youth, claiming to be a student from a Nagpur Technology Institute, moved around the airport premises and conned people on the false pretext of seeking monetary help to buy a flight ticket to rush back to college or to another destination as he had lost his ticket and was short of money. Police asked flyers not to fall prey to the conman and to alert the local police station if they came across such a person seeking monetary help. At least three to four people were duped in a similar way by the same conman outside the airport.

The latest victim was a sales manager, Akshay Gawade (31), from Pune, who was conned after he stepped out of the arrival gate at Mumbai Domestic Airport Arrival on March 21. An FIR was registered on Saturday on a complaint that Gawade mailed on March 29 after he found out that he was conned by a person who identified himself as Nilaboyina Srigiridhara Aditya. "The team is gathering details of the person through the CCTV footage from the airport premise where Gawade was duped to identify the whereabouts," said a police officer of the Airport police station.

Gawade, employed in a Pune firm and staying with his family in Pune, got down at Mumbai Airport after flying from Kolkata on March 21 after an official trip. In the complaint, Gawade said: "At 12.30 pm I stepped out of the arrival gate at Mumbai Domestic Airport when a youth introduced himself as Nilaboyina Srigiridhara Aditya approached me upset and worried. He claimed himself a student of VNIT College in Nagpur and showed me his College ID card. At that time, I took a photo of the said ID card on my mobile. The said person further told me that his ticket to Hyderabad was lost and he needed to go to Hyderabad urgently, so he needed financial help."

According to the FIR, the conman pleaded with Gawade saying, "Please help me," and said that he would return the money taken from Gawade very soon. "I thought this person was a student and he needed help. I trusted him and agreed to give him money. Then he showed me a scanner on his mobile phone. I scanned the said scanner and sent him Rs16,000 via Google Pay. After that, he gave me his mobile number. Two days later, I messaged him on his WhatsApp and inquired about the money, but he said he would give the money but did not," Gawade said in the FIR.

20/04/2026 V Narayan/Times of India

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Mumbai airport slaps Rs 10 lakh fine on ground handling services provider for aircraft damage

Terming it a major incident that has caused serious reputational loss to the airport, Adani Group-owned MIAL has imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL), according to a communication accessed by PTI.

The incident that resulted in the damage of the Gulf Air aircraft happened on April 10 when AIASL personnel were engaged in towing loaded containers mounted on dollies along the head-of-stand road in the vicinity of aircraft stands.

"... while the towing operation was in progress, one of the rear dollies became detached from the preceding dolly, moved in uncontrolled manner and struck a parked aircraft belonging to Gulf Air at the airport.

The impact resulted in damage to the said aircraft's airframe, including damage in the forward area of the aircraft," MIAL said in a letter to AIASL on April 15.

With the plane suffering damages, it was declared as Aircraft on Ground (AOG). Gulf Air is Bahrain-headquartered airline.

Details about the aircraft could not be ascertained.

According to the letter, the incident has caused serious reputational loss to the airport.

"In addition to reputational harm, MIAL is also facing loss of revenue and commercial impact arising from the AOG condition of the Gulf Air aircraft. This includes disruption and deferment of aeronautical and allied airport revenues directly linked to aircraft operations.

19/04/2026 PTI/Tribune

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Excess time fee scrapped at Doon airport

DEHRADUN: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is set to roll out a commuter-friendly and technology-driven parking system under a revised policy by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). A key highlight is the removal of excess-time fees earlier imposed on vehicles overstaying in parking zones.

Officials said the move will reduce confusion and inconvenience for travellers. “The new rules aim to simplify parking, reduce congestion and improve overall passenger experience,” said BCH Negi, director of the airport.

A major relief has also been extended to commercial vehicles. Non-AAI licensed operators, who were earlier charged Rs 345 for lane pickups, will now pay a nominal fee of Rs 80, making short-duration pickups significantly more affordable.

In addition, toll booths will be relocated outside parking areas, eliminating the need for entry tokens -- a step expected to ease congestion at entry points and ensure smoother traffic flow.

20/04/2026 Gaurav Talwar/Times of India

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