Rationalising international services: Air India suspends Chicago, Newark, Singapore flights; reduces European services

Air India on Wednesday announced the rationalisation of its services on select international routes between June and August 2026. The adjustments have been made in response to a combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record high jet fuel prices for international operations, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services, the airline said in a press statement.

These changes are aimed at improving network stability and reducing last-minute inconvenience to passengers, the statement added.

Despite the challenges and beyond these adjustments, Air India will continue to operate more than 1200 international flights every month, retaining a robust international network that spans five continents, including 33 flights per week to North America, 47 flights per week to Europe, 57 flights per week to the UK, 08 flights per week to Australia, 158 flights per week to the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, and 07 flights per week to Mauritius (Africa), Air Indian said.

Air India also said it will proactively assist customers with bookings affected by the cancellations through this period with re-accommodation on alternative feasible Air India flights, free date change or full refunds, as applicable. The airline remains available to support guests through its 24x7 contact centre and digital channels.

The temporary network adjustments are summarised below by region:

North America

• Delhi-Chicago: temporarily suspended
• Delhi-San Francisco: reduced from 10x weekly to 7x weekly through August
• Delhi-Toronto: reduced from 10x weekly to 5x weekly through July, increasing to daily operation from August
• Delhi-Vancouver: reduced from 7x weekly to 5x weekly
• Mumbai-Newark service increases from 3x weekly to 7x weekly and Delhi-New York (JFK) remains a 7x weekly service while Delhi-Newark and Mumbai-New York (JFK) services will be temporarily suspended

Europe

• Delhi-Paris: reduced from 14x weekly to 7x weekly
• Delhi-Copenhagen: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly
• Delhi-Milan: reduced from 5x weekly to 4x weekly
• Delhi-Vienna: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly
• Delhi-Zurich: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly
• Delhi-Rome: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly

Australia

• Delhi-Melbourne: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly
• Delhi-Sydney: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly

Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC

• Delhi-Shanghai: temporarily suspended through August
• Delhi-Singapore: reduced from 24x weekly to 14x weekly
• Mumbai-Singapore: reduced from 14x weekly to 7x weekly
• Chennai-Singapore: temporarily suspended through August
• Delhi-Bangkok: reduced from 28x weekly to 21x weekly from July
• Mumbai-Bangkok: reduced from 13x weekly to 7x weekly from July
• Delhi-Kuala Lumpur: reduced from 10x weekly to 5x weekly
• Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly in July and August
• Delhi-Hanoi: reduced from 5x weekly to 4x weekly in July and August
• Delhi-Kathmandu: reduced from 42x weekly to 28x weekly in June, and further to 21x weekly in July and August
• Delhi-Dhaka: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly
• Mumbai-Dhaka: temporarily suspended through August
• Mumbai-Colombo: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly
• Delhi-Colombo: reduced from 14x weekly to 12x weekly
• Delhi-Malé: temporarily suspended through August

Air India continues to work closely with the regulators, airport authorities, and industry partners to restore full capacity as soon as conditions permit, but may make further adjustments to its network, should the extraordinary operating environment prevail, the statement added.

13/05/2026 Air India

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Air India dismisses rumours of cancelling all international flights till July

Air India has denied reports claiming that the airline cancelled all international flights until July because of fuel shortages, calling the speculation “false and baseless” even as it scales back some overseas operations amid rising costs.

“Malicious and fabricated claims circulating on certain platforms alleging that Air India has cancelled all international flights are completely false and baseless,” Air India Newsroom said in a post on X.

The clarification came after reports linked the airline’s recent international route cuts to an alleged wider operational crisis driven by soaring jet fuel prices.

Air India has, however, implemented reductions across parts of its international network for three months starting June as higher fuel costs and longer flying times hurt profitability on several routes.

The airline has suspended flights from Delhi to destinations including Chicago, Newark, Singapore and Shanghai as part of those temporary adjustments.

13/05/2026 Economic Times

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Belgian national strike shuts Charleroi Airport; Indian travellers advised to re-route via Brussels

Belgium’s largest trade-union coalition has launched a 24-hour general strike that will completely close Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) on 12 May 2026 and cut scheduled departures at Brussels Airport (BRU) by more than 50 percent. Low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air have already cancelled all India-bound connecting flights via CRL, while Brussels Airlines is prioritising high-load long-haul routes but scrapping dozens of European feeders. Although India has no direct flights to Charleroi, the airport is a popular hub for price-sensitive passengers who combine separate tickets on Gulf and low-cost European carriers. Travel-management companies (TMCs) estimate that roughly 1,200 Indian leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives (VFR) passengers were due to transit CRL on 12 May. Airlines are obliged under EU Regulation 261/2004 to offer full refunds or rebooking on the next available service, including on competing carriers—a fact many self-booked passengers are unaware of. Mobility managers with expatriates on project assignments in Belgium and northern France should proactively shift itineraries to BRU or Amsterdam Schiphol, allowing additional ground-transfer time due to possible rail and bus disruptions linked to the strike.

13/05/2026 VisaHQ

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Rolls-Royce, HAL joint venture IAMPL inaugurates expanded manufacturing facility in Hosur

 International Aerospace Manufacturing Private Limited (IAMPL), a joint venture between Rolls-Royce  and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Wednesday inaugurated its expanded manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, strengthening advanced aerospace manufacturing capabilities in India. Spread across 12 acres, the expanded facility will significantly enhance IAMPL’s capacity for producing world-class compressor and turbine components, while also building capabilities for developing complex and rotating parts for future indigenous and global technology programs.

Sashi Mukundan, Executive Vice President - Rolls-Royce India and Ravi K., Chairman and Managing Director - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, inaugurated the facility alongside Seenivasan Balasubramanian, CEO - IAMPL.

 Speaking at the inauguration, Sashi Mukundan, Executive Vice President, Rolls-Royce India, said, “This joint venture with HAL is not only testament to our long-standing commitment to ‘Make in India’, it is an example of the sustained efforts that have gone into the creation of a strong, resilient aerospace and defence ecosystem in the country. We intend to establish India as a strategic ‘home market’ and remain focused on developing future-ready capabilities in here built on innovation, partnership and engineering excellence. IAMPL is already a benchmark facility within our global manufacturing ecosystem, and it will play a significant role as we move towards growing our sourcing 10-fold from India, in line with future programs and partnerships. Congratulations to the team at IAMPL for its consistent growth and success.”

 With a strong legacy spanning nine decades and a growing footprint, Rolls-Royce already plays an important role in powering, protecting and connecting India across civil aerospace, defence and power systems. Our solutions are powering significant platforms operated by the Indian armed forces, and provide uninterrupted power for critical infrastructure. These initiatives are further backed by local partnerships, joint ventures and academic collaborations.

Ravi K., Chairman and Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), said, “We are pleased to witness the expansion and continued growth of IAMPL, our joint venture with Rolls-Royce. As part of our shared vision to advance India’s aerospace and defence industry, IAMPL is playing a key role in building advanced, future-ready industrial capabilities within the country. We are confident that these advanced manufacturing capabilities will significantly contribute to India’s vision of indigenous technology development, while further enhancing the nation’s standing in the global aerospace and defence value chain.”

Seenivasan Balasubramanian, CEO, IAMPL, added, “The expansion of our Hosur facility marks a significant step in scaling IAMPL’s manufacturing capabilities to meet the evolving requirements of our customers. With enhanced capacity for high-precision compressor and turbine components, we are strengthening our ability to deliver best-in-class quality and reliability to support both domestic and global programmes. Our continued focus remains on efficiency and building a resilient, high-performance manufacturing ecosystem.”

13/05/2026 IAMPL

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SPH Aviation Launches iQuantara to 'Drive Indigenous Defence Drone Innovation in India'

Gurugram-based SPH Aviation Pvt Ltd., on Wednesday announced the launch of iQuantara, its dedicated defence-focused brand aimed at advancing indigenous drone technologies for India’s evolving security and surveillance needs. With this strategic move, SPH marks its expansion into the defence and aerospace domain, aligning with the national vision of self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

iQuantara evolves from SPH’s defence-focused initiatives, delivering earlier under the SPH Aviation name. The transition to iQuantara reflects a renewed strategic focus, a sharper brand identity and an expanded vision to scale indigenous drone technologies for defence applications in India, SPH Aviation said in a press statement.

iQuantara will focus on the design, development, and deployment of next-generation Integrated unmanned aerial systems (UAS) tailored for Indian defence applications, including but not limited to Surveillance and Intelligence Collection, TACC3I Systems, Swarm based Operational Missions, Border Monitoring, GIS based Mapping, Logistics Support, Emergency Management and Autonomous UAVs.

The new brand builds on AVPL’s existing capabilities in drone innovation, manufacturing, and training, leveraging its ecosystem-driven approach to scale high-impact solutions for national priorities. iQuantara also plans to manufacturing 500 plus drones in the coming year and scale production capacity to 1000 units annually. iQUANTARA will also expand R&D capabilities to improve telemetry, Remote Controls, data exchange, auto piloting in line with India’s push for indigenous defence production.

As India continues to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, iQuantara aims to contribute by developing reliable, scalable, and indigenously built drone platforms. The initiative reflects AITMC Venture’s long-term vision to evolve from a sector-specific drone solutions provider into a multi-domain technology player supporting both civilian and strategic applications. The company is collaborating with defence R&D agencies and Premier IITs to accelerate innovation and deployment, SPH Aviation said.

Lt. Gen (Dr) RK Anand, Chief Executive Officer, said: “iQuantara has been envisioned as a forward-looking platform to develop indigenous drone technologies that can address the dynamic needs of modern defence operations. Our focus is on building reliable, integrated mission-ready systems that are designed, developed, and manufactured in India. With our experience of defence services, I see strong potential for indigenous drone systems in transforming defence preparedness.”

Dr. Preet Sandhu, Founder & Managing Director, AVPL International & Promoter, iQuantara, added: “The launch of iQuantara marks a significant step at AITMC Venture’s journey as we expand from agricultural drone applications into the defence sector. With our strong foundation in drone technology and skilling, we see this as a natural progression towards supporting India’s self-reliance in deep-tech areas while building a future-ready innovation ecosystem. Over the next 5 years, we aim to invest ₹75 crores and expand our reach to 15% of defence markets.”

13/05/2026 SPH Aviation

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Noida Airport: AERA Fixes UDF for Passengers

Airports tariff regulator AERA on Tuesday fixed the user development fee for the Noida International Airport at Rs 490 for departing domestic passengers and Rs 980 for departing international passengers.

The User Development Fee (UDF) is fixed for the 2026-27 period.

For arriving domestic passengers, the fee will be Rs 210, while for arriving international passengers, the amount will be Rs 420, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) said in a release.

The Noida International Airport (NIA), inaugurated on March 28, will start commercial operations on June 15.

The AERA said UDF for each departing domestic passenger has been fixed at Rs 490 per passenger, as against Rs 653 proposed by the airport operator YIAPL.

For each departing international passenger, the UDF is Rs 980, which is lower than the Rs 1,200 sought by the operator.

"These rates are the same as decided in the ad-hoc tariff order issued in August 2025," the AERA said.

The airports tariff regulator has approved the tariffs for the first control period (2026-2031), during which the UDF will gradually increase for departing as well as arriving domestic and international passengers.

Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, under the public-private partnership, will be operating the airport.

The AERA said the fee fixed for NIA is comparable to the national average of UDF at major airports and also well within the range of UDF currently levied at non-major airports.

To encourage airlines to start new routes, increase flights and expand their network from the airport in the early years, AERA said it has allowed a Variable Tariff Plan (VTP) for the airport.

13/05/2026  Rediff Money

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4 Kg Marijuana Seized at Delhi Airport

Customs officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport have successfully intercepted a massive narcotics shipment, seizing over four kilograms of suspected marijuana worth Rs 4 crore.

The operation unfolded on May 12, when an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok was identified through profiling and subsequently apprehended.

Officials uncovered the illicit substance concealed in four pouches within a rose gold trolley bag, and arrested another person at Terminal 3 who intended to collect the drugs. Both suspects were detained under the NDPS Act.

13/05/2026 DevDiscourse

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Three Times Bigger! Srinagar Airport To Get Mega New Terminal Under Rs 1,000-Crore Upgrade

With Jammu and Kashmir emerging as a tourism magnet, the Modi government is planning a major upgrade for the Srinagar airport at a cost of nearly Rs 1,000 crore. The project will see a new passenger terminal building come up, nearly three times the size of the current building, along with an extended apron that will be able to accommodate 15 aircraft in parking bays.

CNN-News18 has accessed a document of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) that mentions these details. The existing passenger terminal building at Srinagar is spread across an area of 20,659 sqm. The new terminal building will be spread over 51,500 sqm, along with a 20,000 sqm basement. The airport currently has nine aircraft bays and will have 15 bays in the future. This will help meet the ever-increasing passenger traffic and demand at Srinagar airport, according to the document.

The Srinagar airport belongs to the Indian Air Force. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) maintains a civil enclave comprising the passenger terminal building, civil apron and allied infrastructure. The total existing land area of the civil enclave is 73.10 acres.

“Modification and expansion of the existing passenger terminal building and a multi-level car park and allied works is required to meet the growing traffic demand," the document says while seeking project consultancy for the project.

The site of the new terminal building is adjacent to the existing terminal building at Srinagar airport. The existing terminal building has an area of 20,659 sqm, with a capacity to handle 950 passengers during peak hour (PHP). During 2024-25, the airport handled a total of 28,494 aircraft movements and annual passenger traffic of 4.47 million.

13/05/2026 Aman Sharma/News18.com

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IAS officer, family denied boarding at Dubai airport; Chandigarh consumer commission penalises Air India Express

While holding Air India Express guilty of deficiency of service, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chandigarh, has directed it to pay a compensation of Rs 15,000 and refund Rs 1,26,771, along with an annual interest to a senior IAS officer.

The officer had alleged that he, along with his family, was denied boarding at the Dubai airport.

In a complaint filed with the commission, senior IAS officer Veerendra Kumar Meena, a resident of Chandigarh, said that he, his wife and son visited Dubai for a vacation from June 9, 2024, to June 17, 2024.

For their return journey, they had booked tickets on an Air India Express flight scheduled to fly from Dubai to Amritsar. These tickets were purchased through a travel agent at a cost of Rs 18,420 per person.

Rana Gurtej Singh, counsel of complainant, said that the scheduled departure time for the flight was 8:50 am on June 17, while boarding was scheduled to commence at 7:50 am.   The family arrived at Dubai International Airport approximately two and a half hours prior to the scheduled time.

They had completed the check-in formalities, obtained their boarding passes and deposited their luggage. The boarding passes clearly indicated that the gate would close at 8:25 am that is, 25 minutes prior to the flight's departure. They arrived at the boarding gate well within the allotted time however, the airline's ground staff stopped them, claiming that the boarding process had already concluded.

13/05/2026 Ramkrishnan Upadhyay/Tribune

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‘Traumatising Experience’: Indian Woman Shares Disturbing Ordeal At Laos Airport, Sparks Reactions

An Indian woman travelling through Southeast Asia has shared her frustrating experience of allegedly being stopped from boarding a flight to Cambodia despite carrying valid documents and proof of funds. In an Instagram video, the traveller claimed she was asked to show hundreds of dollars in cash and faced additional questioning because of her Indian passport. Her account has now sparked a wider conversation online about how Indian travellers are treated abroad.

The woman, identified as Annapurna, said the incident happened while she was travelling from Laos to Cambodia through Vietnam Airlines. She claimed that despite showing bank statements, travel history and proof of previous travel to Cambodia, airline officials still refused to let her board.

In the video, Annapurna explained that she had earlier entered Cambodia from Bangkok without any trouble and had even paid for her visa on arrival using a card.

However, during her later journey from Laos, she alleged that officials suddenly demanded she show around $400 in cash to prove she was a genuine tourist. She said the staff did not accept her digital proof or previous travel history.

“No matter how many proofs I showed them, the bank statements, my previous travel history, and the fact that I literally paid by card to enter Cambodia two weeks ago without any trouble, they didn’t allow me," she said in the clip.

The traveller also claimed that when she asked for official proof of the rule, the airline staff allegedly showed her a Messenger group chat instead of any formal document.

13/05/2026 News18.com

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Cabinet approves Nagpur Airport modernisation under PPP model

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the upgradation and modernisation of Nagpur International Airport through a long-term licence involving a private partner under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The approval includes the extension of the lease period of land owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and leased to MIHAN India Limited (MIL) beyond August 6, 2039. The move will enable MIL to grant a 30-year concession to GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

The decision marks a key development in the expansion of Nagpur airport under the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project.

MIL was formed in 2009 as a joint venture between AAI and Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), with an equity structure of 49:51. While airport assets were transferred to MIL in 2009, execution of the lease deed was delayed due to land demarcation issues. Subsequently, AAI land was leased to MIL till August 2039.

In 2016, MIL issued a global tender to identify a private operator for the airport under the PPP model. GMR Airports Limited emerged as the highest bidder with an initial quoted revenue share of 5.76 per cent, later revised to 14.49 per cent of gross revenue.

The bidding process was annulled by MIL in March 2020, following which GMR Airports challenged the decision before the Bombay High Court. The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of GMR Airports in September 2024. Following the verdict, MIL signed a concession agreement with GNIAL on October 8, 2024.

13/05/2026 DD India

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'Kaddu', Beloved Delhi Airport Dog Missing For Months, Found Safe In Dwarka

Kaddu, a stray dog loved by frequent flyers and staff at Indira Gandhi International Airport, has been found safe in the Dwarka region. The news was shared on social media by user Tanya, who posted a video of Kaddu, with the caption, "Kaddu has been found. After months of relentless searching, she's finally safe." Kaddu is reportedly one of the two dogs missing from the Delhi airport. The video of the dog instantly triggered emotional reactions from animal lovers who had followed the case for weeks. However, NDTV can't confirm when exactly the dog was found.

Animal welfare group 'Save Delhi NCR Dogs' shared another reunion clip on Instagram showing a woman activist breaking down in tears after spotting Kaddu. "We have the best news ever to share: Kaddu, our beloved airport dog, has been found! After days of searching, tireless trekking, and holding onto hope, Kaddu is safe and sound," the group wrote.

While reacting to the video, social media users called it the "best news of the day," praising volunteers who combed parts of Delhi to trace the dog. Activists confirmed Kaddu is now receiving care, rest, and medical attention.

13/05/2026 NDTV

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First Made-in-India C295 Aircraft Successfully Rolls Out at Tata Vadodara Facility

TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has achieved a major breakthrough in India’s aerospace sector by completing the first Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft at its Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, Gujarat.

This accomplishment is a historic first, as it marks the first occasion a private sector entity in India has successfully built and rolled out a full military aircraft, a domain traditionally led by state-owned enterprises.

Notably, this rollout has been executed months ahead of the original September 2026 deadline.

This event serves as a significant boost to the national 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' campaigns, showcasing the increasing capability of private firms in handling advanced defence projects.

The manufacturing plant in Gujarat was constructed following a ₹21,935 crore contract finalised between the Government of India and Airbus Defence and Space in 2021.

The foundation stone for this facility was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2022.

Specifically procured for the Indian Air Force (IAF), this versatile twin-turboprop aircraft will phase out the legacy Avro HS-748 fleet.

The C-295 is a medium tactical airlifter with a payload capacity of over 9,000 kilograms or up to 71 personnel.

13/05/2026 Defence.in

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Trainer Aircraft Crash Lands In Baramati Months After Ajit Pawar Plane Accident

A trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash landed at Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune district on Wednesday morning, police said. The crash took place in the same village where Ajit Pawar's plane crashed in January, killing the politician. 

No serious injuries were reported, and the trainee pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, escaped safely following the accident near Gojubavi village adjacent to the Baramati airstrip area, officials said.

The incident occurred at 8.50 am, Pune Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill told news agency PTI.

During the crash landing, just before hitting the ground, a part of the aircraft hit an electric pole. 

"As per preliminary information received from witnesses, the aircraft was flying at a comparatively low altitude when it developed a technical malfunction. During the crash landing, one side of the aircraft reportedly hit an electric pole before it struck the ground," he said.

13/05/2026 NDTV

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After Cabinet's Nod, This Maharashtra Airport Is Poised To Become Central India’s Key Aviation Hub

Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is set for a major transformation after the Union Cabinet approved a key proposal that clears the way for the development of a world-class aviation hub in Central India.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the extension of the lease period of Airports Authority of India (AAI) land leased to MIHAN India Limited (MIL) beyond August 6, 2039. The move enables MIL to hand over the airport to GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) under a 30-year concession agreement from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

The decision marks a major milestone for the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project, which aims to transform Nagpur into a major passenger and cargo aviation centre.

With the lease extension now aligned with GNIAL’s 30-year concession period, authorities said the project can move ahead without legal or operational hurdles. Officials expect the development to bring large-scale investment, modern infrastructure, and improved passenger and cargo handling facilities to the airport.

13/05/2026 Saurabh Verma/News18.com

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Lanxess, HPCL ink MoU to upscale aviation and industrial lubricants

Specialty chemicals major Lanxess has signed an MoU with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to jointly advance the availability of aviation and industrial lubricants in India and SAARC countries.

The partnership aims to deliver technologically advanced, high-performing lubricant solutions, advancing standards and availability in the booming aviation and industrial markets in the country.

“We are excited to partner with Lanxess to provide Indian customers with cutting-edge lubricants that enhance efficiency and performance. With Lanxess’ expertise and our strong market presence, this collaboration will drive growth across aviation and industrial sectors,” said Srinivas Ch, Executive Director — Lubes, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.

The collaboration will enable broader local access to premium Lanxess-branded aviation and industrial lubricants, including in critical segments, besides exploring business development opportunities.

13/05/2026 Pioneer

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FLY91 enhances frequency on Rajahmundry and Vijayawada to Hyderabad routes from May 16

Following an overwhelming response from passengers on its Rajahmundry-Hyderabad and Vijayawada-Hyderabad routes, pure play regional airline FLY91 will increase the frequency on both routes from the current two flights daily to three flights daily with the convenience of the same day return. The airline had commenced operations on both sectors last month and the additional flights will commence from May 16.

The enhanced services are set to mark another step in FLY91’s commitment to strengthening regional air connectivity across Andhra Pradesh by offering reliable, trustworthy, safe and convenient travel options between key tier-2 cities and Hyderabad. The move is a step towards continuing to strengthen its regional footprint under its ‘BharatUnbound’ vision.

Commenting on the enhanced connectivity, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91, said, “The increase to thrice daily flights reflects the growing demand for dependable regional connectivity in Andhra Pradesh. FLY91 is committed to strengthening regional air connectivity across Andhra Pradesh while bringing people, businesses and communities closer.”

12/05/2026 TravelBizMonitor

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Manoj Chacko Named Business Leader of the Year at Business Goa Awards 2026

Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, was recently honoured with the ‘Business Leader of the Year’ award at the 14th Business Goa Awards for Corporate Excellence 2026, held in Panaji. 

The award was presented by Harshvardhan Bhatkuly, Founder, CEO and Editor of Business Goa, along with Shekhar Sardessai, Chairman and Managing Director of the Kineco Group, and noted designer Ritu Beri, at a ceremony attended by leading entrepreneurs and corporate leaders from across the state.

Accepting the award, Chacko said he was “humbled and honoured” by the recognition. “This recognition isn’t personal. It reflects the belief, grit and ambition of the entire FLY91 team. We’re building something that matters, connecting unserved and underserved India and unlocking new regional growth on our journey of Bharat Unbound,” he said.

He added that the honour held special meaning given FLY91’s roots in Goa. As a Goa-headquartered pure play regional airline, the recognition from the local business community marked a significant milestone in the company’s journey, which started in 2024. “FLY91 is a Goan airline at heart. Our headquarters are here, our story began here, and this recognition from the community we serve feels like coming full circle,” Chacko also said.

The airline currently flies to 12 destinations, namely Pune, Sindhudurg, Solapur and Jalgaon in Maharashtra; Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands; Hubballi in Karnataka; Vijayawada and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh; along with other business and leisure destinations namely Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi and Hyderabad.

12/05/2026 Fly91

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FLY91 Recognised in IHC–IIHM Hospitality Honours List 2026

FLY91 has been included in the prestigious IHC–IIHM Hospitality Honours List 2026 – Hotels, Restaurants & Travel, in recognition of its contribution to excellence in the aviation and travel sector, the airline said in a press release. The recognition comes just over two years after the airline commenced operations.

The honour was conferred at the 11th International Hospitality Day (IHD) 2026, held recently in Hyderabad, where the award was received on behalf of FLY91 by Chetan Sreenivas, Sales Manager – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

This recognition underscores FLY91’s growing role in strengthening regional air connectivity and supporting the broader travel ecosystem by linking underserved and unserved destinations across India, with a focus on reliable, safe and convenient operations, the airline said.

With a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft, FLY91 currently operates flights to 12 destinations: Pune, Sindhudurg, Solapur and Jalgaon in Maharashtra; Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands; Hubballi in Karnataka; Vijayawada and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh; as well as key business and leisure destinations including Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi and Hyderabad.

The IHC–IIHM Hospitality Honours recognise excellence in travel and hospitality and are presented on International Hospitality Day (IHD), a global platform for industry leaders. The honours are conferred by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) in collaboration with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), which champion innovation, education and global collaboration across 50+ countries.

Over the years, the platform has recognised distinguished individuals and organisations that have set benchmarks in their respective fields, including late industrialist Ratan Tata, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, hospitality leader Nakul Anand and Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc.

12/05/2026 Fly91

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Air India introduces 'Cloud Chasers' to enhance travel experience for families, kids

Air India has announced the launch of Cloud Chasers, a comprehensive new programme designed to enhance the travel experience for families and young explorers. Cloud Chasers serves as a holistic offering for all of Air India’s child-centric products and services. At its core, Cloud Chasers celebrates the joy of discovery and the spirit of childhood curiosity. It’s an invitation to our young flyers to explore the world with imagination, the airline said in a press release.

The launch comes at a time when family travel as a trend is on a steady rise, with the segment growing by 13% between 2024 and 2025, strengthening the need for thoughtfully designed experiences for children and their parents alike.

The Cloud Chasers universe also introduces a playful new avatar of the Maharaja who moves beyond his traditional role, and appears as a young, adventurous and imaginative companion for children, guiding them through their journey of discovery. This reimagined Maharaja will be woven beautifully into the Cloud Chasers brand universe, appearing in various personas across touchpoints such as the onboard engagement kits and the First Flight Certificates.

To enhance the inflight experience for families travelling with children, Air India has curated the below elements:

Playful Kits Onboard: Children aged 3–9 years on marquee long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights (over 8 hours) will receive a vibrant, newly designed activity kit featuring exciting puzzles, games, drawing sections and discovery prompts. The kits are designed in Cloud Chasers branding with the Maharaja in his playful avatar.

Personalised First Flight Certificates: To celebrate milestones and commemorate first journeys, Air India has refreshed the design of its popular First Flight Certificate. Signed by the captain and crew, these certificates now feature a whimsical new design for children, creating a lasting memento of their first time in the skies. Parents can request one to mark their child’s first flying experience.

Curated inflight entertainment & games: The ‘Kids Zone’ on the Vista inflight entertainment system offers over 130 hours of content. This is complemented by Vista Stream which can be connected using personal electronic devices and provides over 35 hours of child-friendly content. In collaboration with global partners such as Moonbug, Red Bull TV, and many more, progressively being made available, a series of animated and educational content is available across a diverse age group of 3-13 years. Interactive features such as ‘Kids Maps’ and a suite of games including UNO, Angry Birds, Chess and Ludo Race makes the digital experience more immersive. The value proposition of entertainment extends beyond visual content, supported by special collaborations with Vobble, for informative and learning-based audio stories to minimise screen time for children.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India said, “With Cloud Chasers, we are reimagining what it means for families with kids to fly Air India. We have curated this programme with careful attention to what our young travellers truly need and designed thoughtful experiences that will make their journeys with us more joyful and fun. With this launch, we have also introduced our iconic Maharaja in a new, playful avatar. As the summer vacations set in, we are happy to give kids another reason to travel with us. This launch marks the first phase of a long‑term vision, and travellers can expect more enhancements as we continue to elevate Air India’s family travel experience.”

In order to make travel more seamless for parents, Cloud Chasers also integrates the below services:

Priority handling: Priority boarding is offered to families with children across airports. Priority check-in assistance is offered for families travelling with children wherever operationally feasible

Onboard comfort: Infant meals and bassinet seats can be availed on select domestic and international flights

Air India’s signature hospitality: Dedicated 24/7 support and the quintessential hospitality of Air India crew, trained to assist families with young flyers.

11/05/2026 Air India

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Bombay High Court Refuses Arbitration Shield to Juhu Airport Restaurant Operators; Clears Way for Eviction Proceedings

In a major relief to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Bombay High Court has ruled that disputes relating to eviction from airport premises cannot be resolved through private arbitration, holding that such matters fall exclusively under the special mechanism created by the Airports Authority of India Act.

The ruling came in petitions filed by Survee Foods Private Limited and its associates, who were operating restaurant and hangout facilities at Juhu Airport under seven-year concession agreements executed in 2024. The operators had approached the High Court after AAI terminated their licences in March 2025.

AAI had alleged that the allotment of the land itself was unauthorized, that the petitioners had encroached upon restricted airport areas within the boundary wall, and that illegal constructions had attracted notices from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.

The petitioners argued before the Court that the termination was illegal and that the dispute was commercial in nature, making it suitable for arbitration under the agreement between the parties. They sought appointment of an arbitrator and continuation of interim protection that had allowed them to continue operations since June 2025.

12/05/2026 Chaitraly Deshmukh/Pune Mirror

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Air India Express wins 44‑Star World Airline Rating in Skytrax audit

Air India Express has earned a 4‑Star World Airline Rating from Skytrax following its first‑ever comprehensive audit, a significant recognition of the progress delivered over the year as part of the transformation of its guest experience.  

Skytrax’s World Airline Star Rating is the longest‑established global quality evaluation system for the aviation industry and a prestigious and unique mark of Quality Achievement. The ratings are awarded following an independent, in‑depth evaluation of airline standards across the onboard and airport environments, using a unified and consistent global assessment framework. The 4‑Star rating represents the highest attainable recognition for a value carrier and places Air India Express among a small group of airlines across India and West Asia to hold this distinction, positioning it just one step away from Skytrax’s global top 10 elite 5‑Star airlines. 

Commenting on the recognition, Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman, Air India Express, said, “Earning a 4‑Star Skytrax world airline rating in our very first audit is a meaningful validation of the transformation of our guest experience and the tremendous work our teams have delivered. In a short period, we have built scale with discipline, modernised our fleet, strengthened service delivery and clearly defined Air India Express as a value carrier in a class of its own. The guest advocacy, NPS and social media sentiment reassures us that our enhanced product and service proposition resonates with the aspirations of a new India that values choice, comfort and reliability. While this recognition is inspiring, the 4‑Star rating is not a destination, but a strong foundation as we continue to raise the bar for industry standards and deliver consistent, high‑quality experiences.” 

According to the Skytrax website, the 4‑Star rating reflects airlines that deliver a good overall quality performance, supported by strong product standards and effective staff service delivery. In the case of Air India Express, Skytrax highlights positive alignment of the airline’s onboard product with customer expectations, supported by consistent processes, good airport services, and a cabin service style that is professional, efficient and well managed. 

A key pillar of Air India Express’s transformation has been the rapid induction of a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, enabling the airline’s evolution from a sub‑scale operator into India’s second‑largest domestic and short-haul international airline in terms of both routes and stations. Today, Air India Express operates a fleet of over 100 aeroplanes, with nearly two‑thirds comprising new aeroplanes, alongside refreshed cabin interiors with comfortable seating, ovens for hot meals and thoughtfully curated onboard offerings, in addition to structured enhancements in service training and delivery. These enhancements have been implemented alongside one of the industry’s most rapid scale‑ups, with the airline now operating over 500 daily flights connecting 42 domestic and 17 international destinations across South, Southeast and West Asia. 

Reflecting the transformation of its guest experience and advocacy, Air India Express closed the financial year with a record tripling of its Net Promoter Score (NPS) to its highest ever levels. The NPS is the global gold-standard measure of customer loyalty that reflects how likely guests are to recommend a brand based on their overall experience. 

12/05/2026 Air India Express

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Lakshadweep to finally get seaplanes after decades of ships and single runway

Getting to Lakshadweep has always required either a 10–20 hour sea voyage or a single, heavily-booked flight to Agatti Island, one of only two ways in or out of India's only coral atoll Union Territory. But starting May 13, 2026, weather permitting, 12 trial seaplane flights will take off from Kochi to test the feasibility of a full commercial seaplane service connecting multiple Lakshadweep islands, a milestone that India's aviation sector has chased for decades.

The trials are being facilitated by Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) in association with the DGCA, the UT Administration of Lakshadweep, and the Airports Authority of India. The aircraft involved is a Twin Otter seaplane operated by SkyHop Aviation, India's first DGCA-certified commercial seaplane operator, which received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA in April 2026.

The trials will cover two route clusters: Kochi–Agatti–Kalpeni–Kavaratti and Kochi–Kadmat–Kiltan–Agatti, covering destinations that have no regular air connectivity today.

Last week, on May 7, 2026, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announced at the GIFT City Aviation Summit in Gandhinagar that seaplane operations in Lakshadweep would begin "soon."

If trials succeed and the service is brought under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, fares could drop as low as ₹2,000–₹4,000, compared to an open-market fare of around ₹12,000 for the Kochi–Lakshadweep sector.

12/05/2026 Nitin SJ Asariparambil/The Week

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Jewar airport is unattractive and costlier for passengers, say airlines

India’s newest greenfield airport project, the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, is staring at a fresh challenge even before commercial operations begin.

India’s largest airlines -- IndiGo and Air India -- have raised serious concerns before the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority over the airport’s proposed aeronautical tariffs, calling them excessively high and commercially unsustainable.

The concerns come after the airport operator submitted its tariff proposal to AERA for consultation. Airlines argue that while Uttar Pradesh’s 1% VAT on aviation turbine fuel was initially expected to make operations cheaper at Jewar, the proposed airport charges could completely negate that benefit and even make flying from Jewar significantly more expensive than Delhi.

According to IndiGo, aeronautical charges proposed at Jewar are “considerably higher” compared to Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The airline stated that domestic landing charges at Jewar are 119% higher than Delhi airport, while the proposed domestic User Development Fee (UDF) is more than 400% higher.

IndiGo highlighted that parking charges too remain steep. For instance, parking an Airbus A321 aircraft with a 97 metric tonne maximum take-off weight for six hours would cost approximately ₹8,000 at Jewar, compared to about ₹6,900 at Delhi airport. While this is still cheaper than some international airports like Dubai, the airline argues that the comparison should be with Delhi, which serves the same NCR catchment.

Meanwhile, Air India echoed similar concerns in its own submission to AERA.

The Tata Group-owned airline said the proposed charges at Jewar “remain on the high side” and warned that passengers in NCR would inevitably find the airport more expensive compared to Delhi airport once airfare, tolls, cab fares and longer travel times are factored in.

Air India recommended that the UDF be kept lower and costs be spread over a longer period to avoid burdening passengers in the initial years.

12/05/2026 Madeeha Mujawar/CNBC TV18

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Akasa Air set to connect NIA with two Indian cities from June 16

Akasa Air is set to commence operations from Noida International Airport (NIA), connecting it directly with two key Indian cities, marking a pivotal moment in its expansion journey.  Effective June 16, 2026, the airline will commence daily direct flights connecting Noida International Airport with Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai, strengthening access to the National Capital Region (NCR).

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

The expansion underscores airline’s forward-looking network strategy, aligned with India’s rapidly evolving aviation infrastructure landscape. As one of India’s newest greenfield airports, Noida International Airport is poised to play a transformative role in decongesting the Delhi NCR airspace, enhancing regional accessibility, and catalysing economic growth across western Uttar Pradesh and the broader NCR. 

Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “As India’s aviation market expands, capacity creation at the right infrastructure nodes will be key to sustaining growth.  With its modern infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and long-term capacity potential, Noida International Airport will transform access to NCR.” 

12/05/2026 Travel Trends Today

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Bodo Möller Chemie deepens India aerospace play with aviation-grade warehouse in Bengaluru

Bodo Möller Chemie, a Germany-based global supplier of specialty adhesives, sealants, and advanced materials, has inaugurated its AS 9120-certified aviation-grade warehouse in Bengaluru, strengthening its presence in India’s aerospace and high-performance manufacturing sector.

Designed by Italian engineers, the facility is built to meet stringent aviation quality standards and features temperature-controlled storage capable of maintaining up to -25°C for sensitive high-performance materials. Located near Madavara on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the warehouse is positioned to serve the city’s growing aerospace, defence, electronics, and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) ecosystem.

The company said the new facility will enhance supply chain reliability, improve inventory availability, and support faster delivery of critical materials used in aircraft manufacturing, defence production, and industrial applications across India.

Speaking at the inauguration, Frank Haug, Chief Executive Officer, Bodo Möller Chemie, said India is becoming a key global hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

12/05/2026 Moneycontrol.com

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