Air India flight makes priority landing in Bhopal after mid-air snag, 175 safe

An Air India flight from Mumbai to Bhopal triggered a mid-air alert on Sunday after a suspected technical snag, forcing the crew to carry out a priority landing at the Raja Bhoj Airport, officials said on Monday.

The aircraft, carrying 175 passengers and crew members, landed safely at around 3:20 pm. No injuries were reported.

Airport officials confirmed that the pilot opted for the landing after detecting a possible technical issue during the flight. The move was in line with standard safety protocols to avoid any escalation.

In a statement, Air India said the crew operating flight AI633 took a call to land in Bhopal as a preventive measure. The aircraft was immediately grounded for detailed technical checks, and passengers were safely disembarked.

The airline added that arrangements were made to help passengers reach their destination, even as ground staff extended assistance at the airport. Passengers were also offered full refunds if they chose not to continue their journey.

Air India expressed regret over the disruption, but maintained that passenger safety remains its top priority. The airline said that such precautionary landings are part of established aviation safety procedures when any technical irregularity is suspected mid-flight.

27/04/2026 Shekhar Singh/Tribune

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ATR bets on Tier-2, Tier-3 markets to drive India’s aviation growth

Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR expects India’s next phase of aviation growth to emerge beyond metro cities, with tier-2 and tier-3 markets offering significant opportunities as regional connectivity expands.

Speaking to businessline, Alexis Vidal, Senior Vice President Commercial, ATR, said that while India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market over the past decade, a large share of inter-city travel outside metro regions continues to be served by rail and road transport.

According to Vidal, nearly 90 per cent of India’s inter-city trips fall within a distance of 740 kilometres, which aligns with the operating range of turboprop aircraft.

However, only about 3 per cent of these journeys are currently undertaken by air.

According to the regional aircraft manufacturer, government-led regional connectivity initiatives have contributed to the expansion of aviation access in smaller markets.

On the upcoming modified UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme), the regional aircraft manufacturer noted that investments in additional airports and extended route financing could improve the accessibility and viability of regional air travel across the country.

Under the initial UDAN scheme, more than 600 routes have been operationalised, connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports.

Besides, the Centre plans to increase the number of airports in the country to 230 by 2030.

These developments, Vidal said, create a foundation for regional aviation growth, particularly in smaller cities where direct connectivity remains limited.

As per insights from ATR’s MobilityMonitor, a backcast model analysing journeys across transport modes, India has the potential for more than 400 additional regional air routes, which could add approximately 35 million annual passengers in the regional segment.

27/04/2026 Rohit Vaid/Business Line

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Air India Wins Insurance Renewal With Modest 10% Hike Post-Loss

Air India has successfully renewed its aviation insurance, covering nearly $20 billion in assets across its fleet of around 300 aircraft. The renewal resulted in a modest 10% increase in premiums, bringing the annual cost to an estimated $33 million, up from $30 million previously. This outcome occurred despite accounting for claims estimated at $475 million stemming from the June 2025 Ahmedabad-London disaster. The market's abundant global capacity has absorbed this large loss, preventing substantial rate hikes for the airline.

The global aviation insurance market currently benefits from plentiful capacity, driven by new capital and intense competition among insurers. This situation has limited insurers' ability to push for large price increases, even as claims costs have risen due to inflation, repair expenses, and higher liability awards. Years of strong profitability for insurers (2021-2024) have helped the market absorb major individual losses, such as the June 2025 event, without triggering broad repricing. While some modest rate increases are expected for certain accounts, the overall competitive environment, supported by readily available reinsurance, continues to moderate premium adjustments, contrasting with the harder market conditions seen between 2019 and 2021.

277/04/2026 Vihaan Mehta/Whalesbook

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Govt may clear Rs 5,000 crore airline aid as traffic slows, costs rise amid Iran war: Report

The government is weighing a series of relief measures for airlines as the prolonged US-Iran conflict continues to pressure the aviation sector through higher operating costs and weaker passenger demand, a Times of India report said on Monday.

Among the key proposals is a Rs 5,000 crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), which could be cleared this week and offer crucial support to financially stressed carriers, the report said.

The aviation ministry is also working to secure approval for the Hotan route through China, a move that would help Air India operate westbound flights while bypassing Pakistani airspace. The Times of India said this could reduce fuel costs for the airline by avoiding longer diversion routes. Efforts are also underway to seek relief on jet fuel excise duty as base fuel prices remain elevated.

These steps follow an earlier 25% cut in landing and parking charges at 34 major airports for three months from April 8, along with partial relief in jet fuel price hikes for domestic airlines during the current month. The Times of India said the industry is seeking an extension of that support into May.

Airlines with stronger balance sheets have told the government that continued cost pressures may force flight reductions, potentially resulting in fewer services and higher ticket prices. Weaker carriers, meanwhile, face the risk of shutting operations, which could hurt connectivity and employment, the report added.

Under the proposed ECLGS, assistance may be capped at Rs 1,500 crore per airline. Ministry officials told The Times of India that while IndiGo would qualify under the scheme, it may not require the funding due to its relatively stronger financial position.

27/04/2026 Moneycontrol

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DGCA tightens rules for foreign airlines operating in country

New Delhi: India has tightened rules for foreign airlines operating to and from the country. Now, the DGCA can "revoke or suspend" a foreign airline's authorisation for lapses like not meeting safety standards. In one of his first orders, DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav said foreign airlines "shall nominate or appoint a local representative" to deal with the regulator.

While Indian carriers must follow consumer protection rules, the DGCA did not have that remit over foreign ones-this changes now. Foreign airlines must set up an effective passenger grievance redressal mechanism, maintain a complaints database, and submit periodic reports to the DGCA.

Grounds for cancelling or revoking authorisation include ownership and control not vested with the designating country or failure to maintain safety and security standards. Unless urgent, action will follow consultations with the designating govt.

If an airline fails to operate scheduled services to/from an Indian airport for four traffic seasons, its authorisation for that airport will be deemed suspended.

27/04/2026 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Govt looks at relief measures for airlines as war continues

NEW DELHI: Govt is considering relief measures for airlines on multiple fronts, with no end in sight to the US-Iran war and airlines complaining of higher operating costs, along with drop in traffic. This week it could clear the way for a Rs 5,000 crore emergency credit line guarantee scheme (ECLGS), that may provide some wind in the sails of some drowning airlines.

The aviation ministry is trying to get the Hotan route in China cleared, that will give relief to Air India on its flights to the west, bypassing Pakistan and saving the loss-making airline millions by avoiding extra fuel burn on the longer route. Additionally, efforts are on to get some relief on jet fuel excise as base price is likely to remain high.

These moves come after the 25% reduction in landing and parking charges of all the 34 major airports for three months starting April 8 and the partial relief in jet fuel price hike for domestic flights for this month, which is sought to be extended to May also. The reason: Financially strong airlines have informed govt they will be forced to cut flights if some operating cost relief is not provided, leading to fewer flights and higher fares. And, weak ones may simply shut down, leading to unemployment and poorer connectivity.

To avoid that situation as the war rages on, these are the moves in the works:

ECLGS: A Rs 5,000-crore ECLGS for airlines could be sent to the Cabinet for approval this week. A financially weak airline, for instance, has almost completely run out of funds and has not again been able to pay salaries, PF or TDS on time for some months now - a violation under the law. Continuing operations for this airline and some others in a similar state depends on getting emergency funding.

"This will be subject to a limit of Rs 1,500 crore per airline," said ministry officials. While IndiGo, the only financially stable big airline, in terms of being able to generate revenues it needs, will be eligible for this scheme, they add "it might not need the same."

27/04/2026 Times of India

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Flight grounded at Jaipur airport over tech snag

Jaipur: An Air India Express flight from Jaipur to Pune was grounded Sunday after maintenance teams discovered a technical issue during routine pre-flight checks. Departure was delayed by 40 minutes as passengers were shifted to another aircraft.

Sources in the airline said flight IX-2712 arrived in Jaipur from Bengaluru Saturday night for a scheduled night halt.

When preparations for its departure to Pune began Sunday morning, a technical inspection revealed a snag in the aircraft, leading the airline management to ground the aircraft. As the issue could not be immediately resolved, the airline arranged an alternate aircraft from Bengaluru to service the flight.

Though the airline did not issue any official statement, sources said the flight finally departed for Pune at 1.20pm, instead of its scheduled departure time of 12:40 pm.

On Wednesday, an IndiGo Airlines flight scheduled to depart Jaipur Airport for Navi Mumbai was also cancelled due to a technical glitch.

27/04/2026 Times of India

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India’s first seaplane airline cleared for take-off: SkyHop gets DGCA nod, Lakshadweep routes first

New Delhi: India’s aviation sector is set for a new chapter as SkyHop Aviation secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing the way for commercial seaplane operations. The development positions the airline to launch what is being billed as the country’s first dedicated seaplane service, aimed at boosting regional connectivity and cutting travel time to remote locations.

The certification comes shortly after a series of successful test flights, including water take-offs and landings at the Ganga Barrage and Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand, signalling operational readiness ahead of a commercial rollout.

SkyHop Aviation is being developed to tap into regions where conventional airport infrastructure remains limited or unviable. The focus is on opening up hard-to-reach destinations, particularly islands and waterfront locations, while offering a faster alternative to long surface travel.

Founder and CEO Avani Singh said the AOC marks a key milestone after months of groundwork, adding that the certification provides a regulatory foundation to begin operations. She acknowledged the support extended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav during the approval process.

”Our aim is simple – to offer a safe, reliable and new way of connecting parts of India that are still difficult to access. We hope to deliver an experience that is both practical and memorable for travellers, while contributing in a small but meaningful way to regional access and national integration,” she said.

27/04/2026 Shekhar Singh/Tribune

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“India Needs More Freighters, Tier-2 Cargo Infra”: Air India Cargo Head

India’s air cargo sector is entering a critical phase, where rising demand is colliding with cost pressures and infrastructure gaps, even as the country positions itself as a global manufacturing and logistics hub.

The segment, which plays a key role in time-sensitive trade such as pharmaceuticals, perishables and high-value exports, is facing a squeeze driven by geopolitical disruptions, longer flight routes and capacity constraints.

This comes at a time when India’s logistics sector is expanding rapidly, with over 4.6 billion tonnes of freight movement annually and logistics costs falling to under 8 per cent of GDP, according to industry estimates.

“Cargo prices in the industry have kind of doubled in the last one to two months,” said the Air India Cargo Head Rameh Mamdiwala, highlighting the sharp escalation in freight costs.

Speaking with BW Businessworld on the sidelines of the Logistics Shakti Summit 2026, Mamdiwala said airlines operating long-haul routes are increasingly being forced to take longer paths, leading to higher fuel consumption and reduced cargo capacity.

“Airlines are being forced to take longer routes due to geopolitical issues, which means carrying more fuel, increasing costs and reducing cargo capacity,” Mamdiwala said. “When the cost of operation goes up, it has to be passed on to customers,” he said, adding that the impact is cascading across trade and ultimately reaching end consumers.

India’s air cargo ambitions are also running up against a capacity challenge, even as demand is expected to rise sharply over the next decade. The sector currently handles around 3.5 - 3.7 million tonnes of cargo annually, with projections indicating a scale-up to 10 million tonnes by 2031 - 32 and 25 million tonnes by 2047.

A key constraint remains the concentration of cargo operations, with nearly 70 - 80 per cent of volumes handled by just four to five major airports, limiting the effective utilisation of capacity across the wider network.

“Airlines need to bring in more freighters. Airports need to invest in infrastructure, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities,” Mamdiwala said. He added that while connectivity across cities has improved, the availability of dedicated cargo capacity remains limited, particularly outside major hubs.

27/04/2026 Mohd Naushad/Business World

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IndiGo downgraded by UBS who cuts share price target by 10% on these key risks

The US-Iran war has led to market volatility in the past two months, resulting in a global energy crisis, the impact of which is being felt across regions and sectors, including aviation. While UBS mentioned its concerns with regards to InterGlobe Aviation in light of the same, it is also of the view that it is better placed than its peers.

UBS, in its note, stated the global airline industry has witnessed heightened volatility with jet fuel spot prices nearly doubling and fuel supply concerns rising across several markets.

In contrast, the Indian government intervened to cap the increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for April 2026 at 9% from 115% increase in international prices in March 2026, it said.

Optimism about a potential ceasefire between the US and Iran has driven a 16% rebound in IndiGo's share price from the recent lows and stock is now trading 6% below the pre-conflict levels. The stock has also seen a sharp outperformance compared to all major global airline peers during the conflict, UBS said.

The brokerage is of the view that the outperformance is increasingly stretched, given IndiGo's relatively higher earnings pressure from high crude prices and due to adverse currency movements even as the government's support in India is largely aimed at protecting weaker airlines.

UBS said with jet fuel prices remain high at around $200/bbl, and with no clear signs of a de-escalation in West Asia, the situation is an extended disruption rather than a temporary shock.

Therefore, the brokerage has increased its fuel cost assumptions for financial year 2027 and financial year 2028 by 28% and 30%, respectively, based on the jet fuel forward curve and UBS' outlook on the USD-INR.

27/04/2026  Shloka Badkar/CNBC TV18

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IndiGo elevates brand narrative with pilot tribute film on World Pilots’ Day

IndiGo is using World Pilots' Day to reinforce its brand narrative around connectivity, reliability and scale, with the launch of a tribute film spotlighting pilots as critical enablers of movement and progress.

Positioned as a cultural and brand-building exercise, the film shifts focus from the visible aspects of aviation to the often-overlooked human infrastructure that powers it. By centring pilots within a portrait-led narrative, IndiGo highlights their role not just as operators of aircraft, but as facilitators of everyday connections—linking people to moments, milestones and opportunities.

The storytelling leans into a broader strategic message: that aviation is not merely about transportation, but about enabling economic and social continuity at scale. In doing so, the campaign aligns with IndiGo’s larger positioning as an airline that keeps India moving—both literally and metaphorically.

From a marketing standpoint, the film taps into a familiar but effective construct—elevating “unsung heroes”—to humanise a category typically dominated by functional messaging around price, punctuality and network. By foregrounding pilots, IndiGo adds emotional depth to its communication, strengthening brand recall while reinforcing trust.

The timing also carries strategic weight. As IndiGo continues to expand its domestic dominance and build its international footprint, campaigns like this help bridge brand perception across markets. By focusing on universally understood themes—mobility, aspiration and human connection—the airline creates messaging that travels beyond geographies while remaining rooted in local context.

27/04/2026 Adgully Bureau/ADgully

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Furious Bhajji slams Indigo after bat goes missing: Take it seriously!

Mumbai: Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings spinner Harbhajan Singh went on to social networking site Twitter to register a complaint after he apparently lost his bat while he was travelling from Mumbai to Coimbatore via Indigo Airlines.

The talented spinner took to Twitter and urged Indigo airlines to assist in locating his bat that went missing from the cricket kit. His post read, "Yesterday I Travelled from Mumbai to Coimbatore by @IndiGo6E flight number 6E 6313 indigo airlines and I find a bat is missing from my kit bag!! I want action to be taken to find who this culprit is..going into someone's belongings and taking any item is THEFT..Plz help @CISFHQrs,"

10/04/2026 Mid Day

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Four passengers, 1 crew member injured after engine failure forces evacuation of SWISS Delhi-Zurich flight

Four passengers and one crew member were injured at a runway at Indira GandhiInternational Airport early Sunday. The incident occurred when one of the aircraft’s engines failed and

caught fire during the takeoff roll, prompting the crew to stop the aircraft and initiate an emergency evacuation.

The airline had earlier said that six passengers had been injured but revised the number, Reuters reported on Sunday.

The Airbus A330, operating as flight LX147, had 232 passengers, including four infants, along with crew members on board, according to a TOI report. The aircraft was accelerating on runway 28 at around 1.08 am when the failure occurred. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft had reached a speed of 104 knots before the crew rejected the takeoff.

Passengers and crew were evacuated using emergency slides. Six passengers sustained injuries during the evacuation and were taken to Medanta hospital for treatment. The runway remains closed until the aircraft is removed.

“We are aware of an incident involving flight LX147 in Delhi. The aircraft involved is an Airbus A330 (HB-JHK). SWISS has established a task force.

There were 228 passengers and 4 infants on board. Shortly after takeoff, just after 1 am local time in India, an issue occurred with one of the engines. The crew rejected the takeoff and, following an assessment of the situation, decided as a precaution to evacuate the aircraft,” SWISS said in a statement.

The airline confirmed that the crew members were unharmed. “Six passengers (are) currently receiving medical attention, crew (is) unharmed. All passengers and crew (were) evacuated the aircraft via the emergency slides. Six passengers are currently undergoing medical evaluation. For a small number of individuals who were unable to use the slides, stairs were provided.”

26/04/2026 Economic Times

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Malaysia Airlines unveils Mumbai Indians-themed aircraft, taking spirit of Mumbai global

Malaysia Airlines and Mumbai Indians today unveiled a one-of-a-kind aircraft livery, bringing together the iconic blue and gold of one of cricket's most celebrated franchises to the skies with the blues of Malaysia Airlines.

Now featured on Malaysia Airlines’ A330-300, the specially designed livery transforms the aircraft into a bold visual expression of sport, culture and connection - carrying the spirit of Mumbai beyond the stadium and onto the global stage. The design blends the distinctive identities of both brands, featuring a dynamic pulse radiating from the Mumbai Indians emblem and its iconic Chakra, symbolising motion and momentum. Flowing patterns across the aircraft reflect the team’s growing global fanbase, reinforcing Malaysia Airlines’ role as a global carrier connecting people through shared journeys and experiences.

To mark the launch, Malaysia Airlines and Mumbai Indians have released a tribute digital film capturing the vibrant culture of Mumbai, the passion of its fans 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."

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “Our collaboration with Malaysia Airlines is a powerful expression of how the Mumbai Indians brand continues to travel beyond the game and into culture. Seeing our colours take flight on a global platform is a proud moment, as it connects fans across geographies and brings the spirit of Mumbai to the world. Malaysia Airlines has been a forwardthinking partner of sharing our vision of creating meaningful fan experiences not just in stadiums, but across journeys.”

26/04/2026 Storyboard18

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Iran airspace partially open, more flights coming to India from Gulf

New Delhi: Iran’s airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights, but Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the country, and those already there are urged to leave via the land border, with the embassy’s support, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

So far, the Indian embassy in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,445 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes, the statement said. Israel’s airspace is open, and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights to India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected between the UAE and India on Sunday.

Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is also operating flights to various destinations in India. The Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have resumed limited flight operations from Kuwait to India. Bahrain airspace is also open, and Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India. Besides, Iraq’s airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. Indian missions remain actively engaged with the Indian community, including the various associations, organisations, professional groups, Indian companies and other stakeholders in the region.

26/04/2026 IANS/Telangana Today

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Air India embraces AI to enhance ops efficiency, increase revenues, reduce costs

New Delhi, Embracing technology in a big way, full-service carrier Air India is tapping opportunities with artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer services, increase revenues and reduce costs.

Piloted by the Tata Group since its takeover from the government in January 2022, the loss-making Air India is in the midst of implementing an ambitious transformation plan in which technology is a key element.

"We had practically nothing at the time of privatisation. So, we were able to go forward without undue consideration for the existing operating systems, comprising the previous generation of agents and chatbots," Air India's Chief Digital & Technology Officer Satya Ramaswamy said as he described various forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as quite transformational.

In a recent interview with PTI, Ramaswamy said that AI has helped reduce operational costs in many areas and cited the example of its generative AI-based virtual agent AI.g.

"It handles about 50 per cent of the contact volume based on customer choice and has saved a significant amount of contact centre costs. Similar examples are employee support, engineering, operations and other areas.

"We have worked extensively with all our CXOs to arrive at AI programmes of the highest priority for them, and many of them are about cost reduction aspects specific to each department," he said.

26/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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Sri Lanka seeks investors for loss-making Mattala airport in Hambantota

Sri Lanka has called for Expressions of Interest to run its loss-making international airport in Mattala, in the southern Hambantota district, with a Cabinet-appointed committee tasked with negotiating the deal with prospective domestic and foreign investors.  

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, on behalf of Airport and Aviation Services, “invites proposals from prospective investors i.e. Companies, Corporations, Firms, and Joint Ventures” for investments to “utilise resources” of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), according to an official statement. The EOI, which includes airside, aerodrome and landside operations, is open to both domestic and international entities, the statement said.

India has in the past expressed interest to operate the airport in Mattala, which has made headlines as the ‘world’s emptiest airport’, including through a joint venture with a Russian company. However, the proposals did not take off. 

26/04/2026 Meera Srinivasan/Hindu

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Mysuru airport runway expansion gains pace, leaders call for encumbrance-free land

Mysuru: Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and MLA of Chamundeshwari constituency G T Devegowda urged for a close inter-departmental coordination among the officials to ensure that the land acquired for the Mysuru Airport expansion is encumbrance free, so that the project can be completed at the earliest. 

They participated in a meeting on the development of Mysuru Airport,  convened by Mysuru Airport Director P V Usha Kumari at the Mysuru Airport Community Hall, on Saturday.

They discussed on the phase I expansion of runway 09/27, currently measuring 1,740 meters x 30 meters - suitable for ATR-72 aircraft, to 2,300 meters x 45 meters to accommodate larger Airbus A-320 and Boeing 737-type operations.

This requires 240 acres of land, of which 206 acres have been acquired by KIADB, with compensation fully disbursed to landowners (with disputed amounts deposited in court), while the remaining 34 acres is government land.

Usha Kumari appraised regarding the pending compensation issue of the revenue layout formed on 7 acres on Mandakalli/north side of the airport, which is crucial for the runway's basic strip.

26/04/2026 Shilpa P/Deccan Herald

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IndiGo rejects ‘fabricated’ claims on sindoor, tilak ban amid dress code row

IndiGo on Saturday denied allegations that it prohibits employees from wearing religious markers such as sindoor and tilak, stating that documents circulating on social media regarding its grooming policy are incorrect and fabricated.

The controversy gained traction after a user on X shared screenshots purportedly from the airline’s grooming handbook. The documents appeared to suggest a ban on items including tilak, sindoor, mangalsutra and kalawa, while allowing other religious markers such as the hijab and turban, triggering widespread debate online.

Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for IndiGo spoke to Mint that the airline urges the public to exercise caution and avoid sharing unverified or fabricated documents.

The airline stated that its policies, particularly those governing cabin crew and pilots, are aligned with global best practices and are designed with the primary objective of ensuring operational safety as well as the well-being of crew and customers onboard. It further stated that it remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, while prioritising the safety and welfare of employees and passengers.

The episode comes amid a broader debate on workplace dress codes in India, which intensified earlier this month following a separate controversy involving Lenskart. 

25/04/2026 Storyboard18

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Fly 91 Flight Lands Late For Third Time At Hubballi Airport

Hubballi: A Hyderabad-Hubballi flight operated by Fly 91 airlines landed late for the third time at Karnataka's Hubballi airport, creating panic among flyers.

Flight IC 3401, which took off from Hyderabad airport at 3:13 pm on Saturday, was supposed to land at 4:30 pm in Hubballi. However, it landed at 5:09 pm after flying for an additional 40 minutes.

Hubballi airport director Rupesh Kumar said the issue developed due to adverse weather conditions and clarified that there was no technical problem.

On Tuesday, the same flight landed two hours beyond its scheduled arrival and was diverted to Bengaluru on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions. The incident caused panic among the passengers as the aircraft remained airborne for over three hours.

Videos shared on social media show scared passengers of flight IC 3401 in tears and many praying for their safety. One video showed a female passenger trembling and praying as the flight struggled through severe turbulence. The footage captures the escalating panic of those on board as the aircraft remained trapped in bad weather.

Sources said there were 22 passengers on board the flight. In a statement, FLY91 said the flight departed from Hyderabad at 3 pm. On nearing Hubballi, the flight encountered bad weather, due to which it was diverted to Bengaluru as per standard protocol.

The Goa-headquartered carrier received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 6.

On March 2, aviation veteran Manoj Chacko-backed Fly 91 took to the skies for the first time, operating from Manohar International Airport in Goa to Bengalur

26/04/2026 ETV Bharat

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IndiGo Flyer Booked for Objectionable Filming

HYDERABAD: A passenger was booked on April 25 for allegedly filming female cabin crew in an objectionable manner and misbehaving with a co-passenger on an IndiGo Hyderabad–Udaipur flight at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).

The accused, Praveen, a businessman from Tamil Nadu, was travelling on flight 6E-6323. Airport staff deboarded him before take-off and handed him over to RGIA Airport Outpost police.

According to IndiGo representative Omprakash, the incident occurred around 7.45 am on April 24 at the domestic terminal.

Police said Praveen, seated in 6B, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He allegedly used his mobile phone to zoom in and photograph female cabin crew, focusing on their legs, faces and bodies.

He also used abusive language, police said. A co-passenger sitting next to him complained about his behaviour.

Despite repeated warnings, Praveen continued to act in a disruptive manner, causing discomfort to others on board.

The crew deboarded him and alerted airport police.

26/04/2026 Subhransu Satpathy/Hyderabad Mail

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Passengers sit for hours without AC on Air India flight:Chaos at Delhi airport, Indore flight departs after 3-hour delay

Passengers on an Air India Delhi–Indore flight faced severe discomfort after a technical snag forced the aircraft to return from the runway to the terminal, leaving them stranded inside without air conditioning for hours.

Flight AI-2515, which usually departs from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 12:10 PM and lands in Indore at 1:45 PM, was delayed due to the issue. While parked on the runway, the aircraft’s AC was switched off, and the intense heat inside the closed cabin led to several passengers feeling unwell.

Frustrated travellers raised slogans at the airport, demanding refunds and better handling of the situation.

The disruption began even before boarding, with the departure gate changed twice, causing confusion among passengers. After boarding, the aircraft remained on the runway for an extended period due to pending technical clearance, before eventually being brought back to the terminal.

Initially expected to reach Indore by 5 PM, the flight finally departed around 5:15 PM—nearly three hours behind schedule—and is now likely to land at approximately 6:30 PM.

25/04/2026 Bhaskar English

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Where are Kaddu and Dholu? Delhi Airport faces heat over missing dogs

Public anger is brewing across the country over the alleged “illegal” removal and "mistreatment" of community dogs by authorities at Delhi’s IGI Airport, after a series of disturbing videos went viral on social media.

One widely circulated video shows a brown stray dog, Dholu, being tied with ropes and dragged across Terminal 1 by sanitation workers on April 2. Animal rights activists have alleged the use of wire nooses and rough handling, describing the incident as a clear case of cruelty.

In a separate incident days earlier, Kaddu — a 14-year-old, toothless female dog familiar to regular flyers — reportedly disappeared from Terminal 3. Local feeders claim she was forcibly relocated by airport authorities, in violation of animal protection laws.

The videos have sparked online campaigns under hashtags such as #JusticeForDholu and #BringKadduBack, drawing widespread condemnation from animal lovers and frequent travellers alike.

“It is evident from the videos that the two friendly dogs have been unlawfully removed by airport authorities. We demand that long-time community dogs be allowed to remain on airport premises,” said Gurgaon resident Mini Mehra, a frequent flyer.

Activists have since escalated the matter legally, seeking action against airport authorities and their contractors for allegedly violating India’s Animal Birth Control Rules, which prohibit the relocation of sterilized community dogs from their designated territories.

A Delhi court has also intervened, asking local police to explain why no FIR has been registered so far. The next hearing is scheduled for April 29.

Meanwhile, airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited has defended its actions, citing passenger safety concerns. The administration maintains that stray dogs are cared for under veterinary supervision and that any intervention is conducted responsibly.

"We also want to inform you that the brown dog... has been carefully handled, calmed, and gently returned to its familiar area. Our approach remains rooted in care, safety, and responsible management," Delhi Airport tweeted recently.

26/04/2026 Times of India

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Airlines In No Hurry To Shift To Navi Mumbai Airport, Warns Air India

Air India has resisted predictions of a swift relocation of airlines to the recently inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport, informing the aviation regulator AERA in a formal letter that airlines will be unlikely to rush to move out from the current airport in Mumbai.

The airline, in an April 16 letter written to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA), said it didn’t share predictions of the “sheer enthusiasm” on the part of airline operators to migrate to the Navi Mumbai International Airport, given three prime reasons: higher aeronautical tariffs at the new airport, absence of sufficient road and Metro connectivity to Navi Mumbai, and higher operational costs associated with a dual airport operation-operating flights from two separate airports simultaneously.

Also, the airline highlighted the unclear status of the closure of Terminal 1 of the current Mumbai airport, which was believed to be a major catalyst driving airlines to the new facility. AERA is currently in discussions with aviation stakeholders regarding the aeronautical charges that would be imposed at the Navi Mumbai airport between 2025 to 2030. Both the Mumbai airports are owned by the Adani Group.

Air India’s dissent, the country’s biggest airline, marks a slower and possibly contentious migration to Navi Mumbai airport.

25/04/2026 Pune Mirror

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State-owned AIESL eyes more international biz, enhanced servicing capabilities at its Nagpur MRO facility

New Delhi: Bullish on the business opportunities, state-owned AIESL is keen to serve more international airlines as well as expand the capabilities at its facility in Nagpur.

Also, the work has been initiated to seek approval from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to carry out base maintenance for Airbus aircraft at the facility.

Last month, an Air India Boeing 777- 300ER aircraft returned to services after being on the ground for over six years. And the engineering personnel at the facility played a key role in the revival of the wide-body plane.

AIESL, once part of Air India pre-privatisation and now under the government ownership, is a major MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services provider.

An AIESL official said the company there has generally been positive customer feedback for aircraft coming out of its Nagpur facility.

"This is our premium facility. We are trying to have more international business here," the official told PTI.

So far, the Nagpur facility has carried out more than 240 checks on wide-body Boeing 777 planes as well as narrow-body Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft.

26/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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‘Bengaluru’s Soul’ sculpture unveiled at Kempegowda airport

Bengaluru: Biocon Foundation in collaboration with Kempegowda International Airport here on Saturday unveiled ‘Bengaluru’s Soul’, a monumental sculpture by renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, at the Arrival Forecourt of Terminal 2, officials said.

The installation was unveiled by H E Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, in the presence of IT Minister Priyank Kharge, with Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, and Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), in attendance, alongside artist Jaume Plensa.

According to BIAL statement, installed in painted stainless steel and measuring 500 x 319 x 375 cm, ‘Bengaluru’s Soul’ reflects the city’s diversity, creativity, and global outlook.

The installation reinforces BLR Airport’s vision of integrating art, culture, and infrastructure to create a distinctive and immersive gateway for travellers.

26/04/2026 Hans India

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Customs seizes contraband worth Rs 36 lakh at Kolkata Airport

Kolkata: Customs officials at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) in Kolkata seized marijuana/ganja valued at approximately Rs 36,00,000 after intercepting a passenger arriving from Bangkok on Friday.

Customs officers at NSCBI Airport, Kolkata, intercepted one male passenger arriving from Bangkok by flight B3-701. They detected suspicious contents in his checked-in baggage while he was crossing the Green Channel and moving toward the exit gate, according to a release.

Further, his checked-in baggage was examined at the Air Intelligence Unit room in the presence of independent witnesses. Upon opening the trolley bags, three edible item pouches containing vacuum-sealed plastic packets were found concealing marijuana/ganja.

The thorough search of the passenger and his baggage resulted in the recovery of marijuana/ganja having a cumulative gross weight of 1,148 grams, valued at approximately Rs 36,00,000, from one piece of the passenger's checked-in baggage (a trolley bag).

26/04/2026 ANI/Economic Times

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Mangaluru airport bags CII zero waste certification

Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport Limited has achieved the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) Certification from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reaffirming its commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

The airport has been awarded the Platinum Class I Rating, the highest category under the certification, after demonstrating an exceptional landfill diversion rate of more than 99 per cent through waste management practices and strict adherence to sustainability benchmarks.

The certification follows a comprehensive and rigorous audit conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which evaluated the airport’s waste segregation, handling, treatment, recycling and compliance processes.

26/04/2026 Deccan Herald

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