Govt clears new Rs 13,000-crore Great Nicobar airport, drops INS Baaz expansion

The government has decided to build a new Rs 13,000-crore greenfield civil-military airport as part of the Great Nicobar project instead of expanding the existing naval airfield at INS Baaz, a move that comes amid an intensifying political battle over the Rs 81,000-crore mega development project on the ecologically sensitive island.

Government and defence sources said the proposed dual-use airport will come up at Chingen, near Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar's southeastern coast, and will serve both civilian and military aviation needs. The location is strategically significant as it lies close to the western approaches of the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints linking the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

A substantial share of global container traffic and energy shipments passes through these waters, making the island a key vantage point for monitoring maritime activity in the eastern Indian Ocean. Officials say the airport will strengthen India's ability to monitor and respond to developments along this critical trade route. The decision effectively shelves long-standing plans to extend the runway at the Indian Navy's INS Baaz air station in Campbell Bay.

According to sources, studies found that lengthening the existing 4,500-foot runway to around 10,000 feet would be difficult because of terrain limitations, navigational challenges and the need for extensive supporting infrastructure. Officials also concluded that a runway expansion could have a greater impact on tribal settlements, forests and wildlife habitats than the proposed greenfield airport.

The new airport is expected to be completed within five years and will remain under naval operational control while serving civilian aviation needs, according to reports. Officials argue that the greenfield site provides greater room for future expansion and strengthens India's military reach, surveillance capabilities and logistics footprint in the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

09/06/2026 Shivani Sharma/India Today

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India shelves INS Baaz expansion, clears way for Galathea Bay airport

New Delhi: After nearly five years of inconclusive feasibility studies, the government has formally abandoned its long-pending proposal to expand INS Baaz, the Indian Navy air station at Campbell Bay in the Nicobar Islands. A greenfield international airport at Galathea Bay has now been cleared to proceed in its place.

The INS Baaz expansion had initially carried considerable strategic appeal. Upgrading an already-operational naval airstrip into a full-fledged civil-cum-strategic airport appeared cost-effective, logistically straightforward, and well-suited to consolidating India’s presence at the southernmost reaches of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago – a chain of islands whose geographic position at the mouth of the Malacca Strait gives it disproportionate strategic weight.

That logic did not survive contact with ground realities.

Site assessments identified a hill rising over 80 metres on the northern flank of INS Baaz as a fundamental aviation safety hazard for wide-bodied commercial aircraft. This obstacle that could not be engineered away without excavation costs and construction timelines that made the entire proposition untenable. Runway expansion would also have encroached on inhabited settlements, raising the prospect of displacing local communities.

Ecologists warned, further, that sustained flight operations at the existing naval airstrip would inflict significantly greater damage on local fauna than a purpose-built greenfield facility – no minor consideration in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive island chains.

08/06/2026  India Sentinels

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IndiGo is a fantastic and well-run airline, says incoming chief Willie Walsh

Ahead of taking charge at IndiGo, Willie Walsh has described India's largest airline as a "fantastic airline" with ambitious growth plans, while warning that high fuel costs, aircraft groundings and taxation remain key challenges for the country's aviation sector.

Responding to a question from CNBC-TV18 about his immediate priorities at IndiGo after assuming the role, Walsh began by praising the airline's management and long-term strategy.

"I think IndiGo is a fantastic airline. I think it's very well run," he said.

"They're very clear in terms of what it is they need to do. Their plans are very ambitious."

Walsh's comments come just a few months after IndiGo experienced some of the most significant flight disruptions in its history.

Despite his optimism about India's growth prospects, Walsh said the biggest challenge facing Indian carriers today remains the high cost of fuel.

"The biggest challenge for all of the Indian carriers today remains the high cost of fuel," he said.

He noted that the challenge becomes even more pronounced because aviation fuel is priced in US dollars, while airlines earn a significant portion of their revenue in rupees.

09/06/2026 Madeeha Mujawar/CNBC TV18

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Air India Express resumes Tiruchy–Sharjah flight service

Chennai: Air India Express has resumed its Tiruchy–Sharjah flight operations after a temporary suspension triggered by tensions in the Gulf region, bringing relief to international passengers, especially expatriates and business travellers.

The service was restarted on June 7, with the first flight carrying 158 passengers from Tiruchirappalli to Sharjah. The route had been suspended on February 28 due to evolving geopolitical conditions in the Gulf, with operations halted until further notice.

With the resumption, passengers travelling between Tamil Nadu and the United Arab Emirates now regain direct connectivity on a key international sector that serves a large migrant population from the region.

Tiruchirappalli International Airport continues to operate flights to multiple overseas destinations, including Singapore, Malaysia, Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Sri Lanka, making it an important aviation hub for southern India.

09/06/2026 News Today

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Why Emirates' 8,810-Mile Dubai To Auckland Flight Is Actually A UK & India Route

Dubai-based Emirates currently operates 16 daily services to its most important market within its global network, the United Kingdom. The second-most important market for the airline within its network is India, with the carrier serving nine destinations in the country. These only account for a portion of the airline's overall network, which consists of over 140 destinations across 80 countries.

That being said, the contribution of the UK and India's networks and passenger demand to the airline's overall operations is far more significant than any other market. For instance, these two markets contribute significantly to the airline's wider Australia and New Zealand market.

Emirates' success and global connectivity can be attributed to its ability to operate a hub-and-spoke business model out of its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Due to the geographic advantage that the airport offers, with DXB being located at the crossroads between Asia, Europe, and Africa, Emirates can harness this and provide one-stop services connecting all corners of the world.

A 2025 report by OAG indicates that 66% of the airline's passengers in 2024 used DXB as a connecting point, rather than a point of origin or destination for their journey. Apart from being a convenient connecting point, Emirates' ability to strategically schedule its departure and arrival flights to different global markets provides passengers with seamless connectivity. While an itinerary with a stopover is always more time-consuming than direct services, Emirates has always been able to remain competitive by offering comfort and luxury on board its aircraft, regardless of the class of travel.

This has always been a point of attraction for passengers, and is more so over the past few years, since Emirates embarked on a historic billion-dollar cabin retrofit program. This not only modernizes the cabins of the airline's existing aircraft but also introduces more capacity within the airline's extremely popular premium economy travel segment, subsequently increasing product consistency.

08/06/2026 Abid Habib/Simple Flying

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DGCA to probe damage to 3 parked AI aircraft

Aviation safety regulator DGCA is investigating the incident in which three parked Air India aircraft were damaged at Delhi International Airport after being hit by ground support equipment on Sunday, an official statement said on Monday.

All three aircraft have been grounded for inspection and maintenance, it said.

Three Air India narrowbody aircraft parked at Terminal 2 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were damaged on Sunday when ground support equipment hit them due to sudden strong wind and rain, the airport operator said.

“Three Air India A320 aircraft parked at the Delhi Airport terminal-II were damaged by ground equipment/foreign object debris (FOD) during adverse weather conditions around 16:30 hours (on Sunday),” the statement said.

09/06/2026 Pioneer

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Karnataka High Court quashes licence forgery case against India’s first woman microlight aircraft examiner, Audrey Deepika Maben

 The Karnataka High Court has quashed a 2018 case registered against Audrey Deepika Maben, India’s first woman examiner of microlight aircraft approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), where she was alleged to have forged her examiner’s signature and seal while applying to renew her pilot’s licence in 2013-14.

Quashing the proceedings under sections 420 (cheating) and 465 (forgery) and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code on June 4, Justice M Nagaprasanna said, “The criminal court cannot be transformed into an arena for determination of highly technical aviation disputes, when the very regulatory body (DGCA), entrusted with such a determination, is yet to record any finding against the petitioner.”

The court cited the delay in filing the complaint as one of the grounds for quashing the case.

“Being in the same field of operation as the petitioner, the complainant would indubitably have been aware that the petitioner continued to fly aircraft, necessarily on the basis of a licence renewed by the DGCA. The explanation that the complainant suddenly ‘discovered’ the alleged forgery while cleaning her cupboard years later hardly inspires confidence,” its order read.

“If such belated awakenings, unsupported by any cogent explanation, are permitted to trigger criminal prosecution after years of silence, it would open floodgates for abuse of the criminal process and reduce the administration of criminal justice into an instrument of personal vendetta,” the order added.

08/06/2026  Mustafa Plumber/Indian Express

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Will Air India Stop Serving Free Meals? Why Full-Service Airlines Are Starting To Look Like Budget Carriers

For years, passengers travelling on Air India’s domestic and international flights enjoyed complimentary meals. The perk helped distinguish full-service airlines from budget carriers, where passengers typically pay extra for almost everything. But that may soon change.

Air India is reportedly considering making meals optional for some economy-class passengers on select domestic and short-haul international routes. Passengers who choose not to take a meal could receive a discount on their ticket price.

The proposal raises a bigger question for an airline battling higher fuel costs, a weakening rupee and rising operating expenses amid the fallout of the Iran-Israel conflict: Is India’s flagship carrier quietly redefining what “full-service" travel means?

Air India is operating in one of the toughest environments the aviation industry has faced in years. Airlines are dealing with rising fuel costs, airspace disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict, a weaker rupee and increasing operational expenses.

Reports suggest that Air India posted a full-year loss of Rs 26,798 crore, inflicting a $743 million hit on Singapore Airlines’ bottom line in the first full year since the carrier acquired a 25.1% stake in the Tata Group airline.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) reported a 57.4% fall in full-year net profit to $930 million (SGD $1.18 billion) even as operating profit surged 39% to $1.89 billion (SGD 2.4 billion). Its annual statement also showed Air India’s hefty annual losses.

The airline has already announced sweeping international schedule cuts between June and August, including 40% reduction in North America operations, and suspended flights on several overseas routes as part of broader cost-control measures.

08/06/2027 Shilpy Bisht/News18.com

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Air India Express Pulls Out Of Noida's Jewar Airport

The Noida International Airport in Jewar is set to begin commercial flight operations on June 15, but passengers will see one less airline than originally expected. Air India Express has indefinitely deferred its plans to start services from the new airport, leaving IndiGo and Akasa Air as the launch carriers.

According to a Times of India report, IndiGo will commence operations on the opening day, while Akasa Air is scheduled to join the network from June 16.

The launch marks a major milestone for the National Capital Region. Located in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar district, Noida International Airport has been developed as Delhi-NCR’s second major international airport and is expected to ease pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The airport is being positioned as a key aviation hub for western Uttar Pradesh, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Aligarh and surrounding regions. In its first phase, the airport has been designed to handle millions of passengers annually, with expansion plans already built into the project.

Authorities have said the airport’s opening is expected to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time for residents of western Uttar Pradesh and support economic activity around the rapidly developing Jewar region.

While Noida International Airport is ready for take-off, Air India Express will not be part of the initial rollout.

According to the TOI report, the Tata Group-owned budget airline has postponed its launch plans at Jewar indefinitely. It quoted sources as saying that the Air India Group is currently focused on cost controls and network rationalisation amid financial pressures.

09/06/2026 News18

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Banned drug worth Rs 5.6 crore seized at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 7 kg of Amphetamine concealed inside ‘ladies suits’ carried in a passenger’s baggage at Delhi airport.

According to airport sources, the passenger was travelling on an IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Bengaluru in the early hours of Sunday. The incident took place at Terminal 1.

“Specific intelligence inputs were received regarding the presence of drugs in the passenger’s baggage. During an intensive search, DRI officers recovered an off-white crystalline substance concealed in seven transparent packets hidden inside ladies suits,” a source said.

The recovered substance weighed 6,980 grams. Samples tested positive for Amphetamine using the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) field test kit.

09/06/2026 New Indian Express

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Coded Collusion: Algorithmic Pricing In Indian Aviation And Structural Failure Of Competition Law

Aviation market in India presents one of the sharpest paradoxes in the modern competition law under which the prices of competing airlines tend to move in the perfect symmetry, yet no agreement, communication, and conspiracy can be demonstrated. In India four major domestic airlines control more than 90% of the seats like IndiGo, Air India, Spice Jet, and Akasa Air. The pricing engines of these airlines empowered by reinforcement learning and real time competitor data, performs thousands of pricing decisions daily without any human coordination.

This blog addresses three connected problems. Firstly, it asks why Section 3 of the Competition Act, 2002 as currently drafted cannot reach algorithmic pricing even when market outcomes look indistinguishable from cartel behavior. Secondly, it evaluates and examines CCIs own precedents, particularly its jurisprudence in Shikha Roy v. Jet Airways, tell us about the evidentiary wall that algorithmic coordination hides behind. Thirdly, it assesses whether India's existing regulatory architecture spread across the CCI, the DGCA, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation is institutionally capable of identifying and addressing the kind of invisible cartel that algorithmic pricing produces, or whether that task requires structural reform.

Part II explains how reinforcement learning pricing engines operate as active market shaping instruments and why they produce supra-competitive outcomes without any explicit coordination. Part III analyses the Section 3 evidentiary framework and the agreement centric gap that algorithmic convergence exploits, using Shikha Roy as the anchoring precedent. Part IV maps India's fragmented three-regulator architecture against the EUs emerging algorithmic governance model under the Digital Markets Act and the EU AI Act. Part V draws three concrete reform recommendations targeted at the CCI, Parliament, and the aviation sector specifically.

The contemporary airline pricing systems are not considered as passive revenue mechanisms rather they operate as active intelligence systems. These platforms usually use reinforcement learning, which is considered as a technique in which algorithm iteratively tests pricing strategies and then optimizes towards the most profitable outcome by analyzing how competitors respond. Calvano's landmark 2020 experimental study demonstrated that algorithms independently operating in oligopolistic markets independently converge to supra competitive prices, not through coordination but thorough parallel computational learning in which each algorithm inferring the counter parts strategy and adapting accordingly. The aviation industry in India is structurally focused and boosted. Few carriers compete over high traffic routes like Delhi-Chandigarh or Delhi-Mumbai, each one of them treating algorithmic pricing data as an input signal. This risk produces a computed echo chamber where each generated algorithmic output becomes the algorithmic input, which generates the price alignment without any underlying agreement. This echo chamber premise, must be construed contrary to the findings of the Director General in Shikha Roy itself, where the DG, after carefully analyzing real route level pricing data across the very corridors invoked to illustrate algorithmic convergence, found no evidence of coordinated conduct, concluding instead that the observed price movements were in line with the independent competitive responses to shared market conditions. The same was acknowledged in CCIs Market Study in 2025, which states that the tacit collusion can be facilitated by algorithmic tools which allows firms to track and react to competitor's behavior in real time.

09/06/2026 Devesh Sharma/Live Law

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India's SpiceJet funding crunch delays pilot pay, messages show, as it seeks state-backed loan

Indian airline SpiceJet, opens new tab has delayed salary payments to ​many of its pilots since March, internal messages seen by Reuters show, as the cash-strapped carrier said it is seeking an emergency loan under a government-backed ‌credit scheme to help stabilise operations.

SpiceJet was India's second-largest domestic carrier by market share in 2019, carrying roughly 15% of passengers, but that has since fallen to a fourth-place share of 3.4%. Its long-standing financial troubles have been worsened by the Middle East conflict, which has pushed up fuel prices and restricted airspace access, pressures that have also hit larger rivals IndiGo, opens new tab and Air India.

SpiceJet had 375 pilots as of March and has ​had salary payments pending for several months, according to two pilots and a Reuters review of chats from a WhatsApp group with more than 180 members, including pilots ​who fly Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab aircraft and at least one senior airline official.

In one message, SpiceJet's senior vice president of flight operations, Virendra Malhotra, wrote on ⁠May 26 that he was aware "that all of you are going through a difficult phase owing to the delay in salary disbursement" and said the balance of February salaries would be ​released shortly.

"These are testing times, no doubt, but they are temporary."

In response, one pilot said the message was "reassuring", but asked if there was any timeline for release of March, April and May ​salaries.

09/06/2026  Abhijith Ganapavaram/Reuters

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Huge aviation opportunities in India, but taxes are a hurdle: IATA chief

India is a fantastic market that demonstrates the real value of aviation, but high fuel costs are a challenge for the local airlines, IATA chief and IndiGo's incoming CEO Willie Walsh said on Monday.

Speaking at briefings after the conclusion of the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the city, Walsh said India has great opportunities, as well as some challenges. However, taxation could slow down the growth potential, he added.

"The net position in India is very, very exciting and that is proven by the growth that we've seen in the domestic market... I think (there) would be a very significant growth in the international market in due course as well," he said.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a grouping of more than 370 airlines and accounts for around 85 per cent of the global air traffic.

Talking about the challenges in the Indian market, Walsh cited high fuel costs.

"That is an additional burden when fuel (price) is denominated in dollars, and you've seen that the rupee has certainly lost value against the dollar in recent years," he said.

Responding to a question at one of the briefings from PTI about the regulatory and taxation system in India, Walsh said he thinks that the country's high taxation is going to slow down the potential growth of the market without question.

"If you have a more business-friendly environment where you want to see stronger growth, which I think India needs, then you have to look carefully at what your tax rate is," he said.

09/06/2026 PTI/Business Standard

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Air India, Thai Airways join hands to boost India, Thailand connectivity

Air India and Thai Airways International (THAI), Thailand’s national carrier, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) building on their existing interline agreement, to explore a deeper partnership aimed at boosting connectivity between Thailand, India, and destinations beyond, leveraging each other’s global network strengths.

The MoU was signed on 07 June 2026 on the sidelines of the ongoing IATA AGM in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil. 

Air India and THAI intend to enter into a codeshare agreement in 2026, subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, designed to expand travel options for travellers between India and Thailand and deliver enhanced customer value across their respective networks.

The two Star Alliance member carriers intend to place their respective designator codes (‘AI’ for Air India and ‘TG’ for THAI) on each other’s flights between India and Thailand as well as on select international routes from the two countries, providing their customers with convenient access to several destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe. The specific terms governing the proposed codeshare agreement will be announced in due course.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India and Thailand are connected by longstanding cultural ties, growing economic engagement, and strong flows of tourism and business travel. As Asia reinforces its position at the centre of global growth, deeper collaboration between leading airlines will be key to enabling that growth by making travel more seamless and accessible. This MoU with Thai Airways brings together two carriers with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to service excellence. It also supports Air India’s broader ambition to strengthen India’s connectivity with the world, offering our customers more choice and greater value.”

Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer, THAI, stated: “The MoU with Air India marks a meaningful milestone in our strategy to strengthen the regional connectivity and better serve to passengers traveling between Thailand, India and destination beyond. It also reflects the shared commitment of both airlines to supporting economic growth, promoting people-to-people exchanges, while contributing to broader cooperation between the two countries.”

08/06/2026 Air India

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9 New Airports Planned Across Andhra Pradesh: Key Facts About The State’s Aviation Ambitions

Andhra Pradesh is preparing for a major expansion of its aviation network. Under its new aviation policy, the state aims to develop nine new airports and strengthen regional connectivity, with the broader goal of emerging as India’s eastern aviation gateway. Here are seven key things to know about the ambitious plan. 

 The state government has proposed nine airports across different regions to improve accessibility and support economic growth. The projects are expected to attract investments of around $1 billion. 

The proposed sites include Kuppam, Dagadarthi, Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Nagarjuna Sagar, Tuni-Annavaram, Ongole, Palasa, and Amaravati (near Ravela). These projects are aimed at ensuring better air connectivity across the state. 

 Andhra Pradesh currently has six functioning airports: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Kadapa, and Kurnool (Orvakal). The upcoming projects will significantly expand the state's aviation footprint. 

 A greenfield international airport near Amaravati is being planned over nearly 4,618 acres. The first phase alone is estimated to cost around ₹3,409 crore and is expected to strengthen connectivity for the capital region. 

 While the nine-airport plan is still in progress, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district is under construction and is expected to begin operations in 2026. It is expected to ease traffic pressure on Visakhapatnam Airport. 

 According to the state's aviation policy, Andhra Pradesh aims to ensure that residents have access to an airport within a radius of about 150 kilometres. Public-private partnership (PPP) models are expected to play a major role in financing and developing these projects.

09/06/2026 Sujata Singh/News18.com

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SpiceJet cash crunch delays pilot salaries, messages show; airline seeks state-backed loan

Indian airline SpiceJet has delayed salary payments to many of its pilots since March, internal messages seen by Reuters show, as the cash-strapped carrier said it is seeking an emergency loan under a government-backed credit scheme to help stabilise operations.

SpiceJet was India's second-largest domestic carrier by market share in 2019, carrying roughly 15% of passengers, but that has since fallen to a fourth-place share of 3.4%. Its long-standing financial troubles have been worsened by the Middle East conflict, which has pushed up fuel prices and restricted airspace access, pressures that have also hit larger rivals IndiGo and Air India.

SpiceJet had 375 pilots as of March and has had salary payments pending for several months, according to two pilots and a Reuters review of chats from a WhatsApp group with more than 180 members, including pilots who fly Boeing aircraft and at least one senior airline official.

In one message, SpiceJet's senior vice president of flight operations, Virendra Malhotra, wrote on May 26 that he was aware "that all of you are going through a difficult phase owing to the delay in salary disbursement" and said the balance of February salaries would be released shortly.

"These are testing times, no doubt, but they are temporary."

In response, one pilot said the message was "reassuring", but asked if there was any timeline for release of March, April and May salaries.

Asked for comment, Malhotra told Reuters in a WhatsApp message, "I categorically deny having issued any such communication."

09/06/2026 Reuters/Telegraph

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No weather alert, unlocked ground equipment cause of 'rarest of rare' aircraft damage at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI: The inability of the Aerodrome Meteorological Office to alert the Air Traffic Control (ATC) of Terminal 2 of a sudden weather change and one of IndiGo's unlocked trolley step ladder are seen as possible reasons behind the “rarest of rare” accidents at Delhi airport on Sunday evening, multiple sources revealed.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun a probe into the mishap in which three stationary narrow-body Air India aircraft parked near Terminal 2 were damaged and have been grounded. 

One A320 aircraft suffered major damages to its body and the portion below one wing after an IndiGo trolley rolled towards it at high speed and rammed into it while two other aircraft sustained minor damage when other ground equipment hit them.

Apart from Indigo's step ladder, two trestles — a raised platform used to reach different parts of an aircraft for maintenance — one belonging to IndiGo and one belonging to the government- owned AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), were involved in the mishap. 

A short video clip of the incident, which went viral on Monday, showed ground handling staff taking shelter during a sudden heavy downpour. Moments later, one of them noticed a huge trolley moving rapidly on its own. It crossed one aircraft and a small vehicle before racing ahead. This individual and two ground handling staff members were seen running behind it in an attempt to stop it, but failed before it rammed into the Air India aircraft. 

The DGCA said in a statement, "Due to strong winds, two ground equipment positioned atadjacent stands and in nearby areas moved from their locations and hit two different aircraft at various positions causing damage. In addition, the right-hand sliding window of another aircraft sustained damage due to Foreign Object debris impact." All three aircraft have been grounded for inspection and maintenance, it added.

Air India refused to share details regarding the damage and played it down. “All our planes will be back in action within a few days,” the airline said. IndiGo sources claimed on Monday that its staff had secured the trolley but the strong wind loosened it forcing it to move. On Sunday, however, the airline had claimed that the step ladder never hit the aircraft and that its staff had stopped it.

09/06/2026 S Lalitha/New Indian Express

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Noida airport opens June 15, but AI Express won't fly from it

 Noida International Airport (NIA) is set to begin operations on June 15, but it will do so with one fewer airline than originally planned. Air India Express has indefinitely postponed its plans to operate flights from the new airport, leaving IndiGo and Akasa Air as the initial carriers, The Times of India reported.

The airport will start commercial operations with IndiGo flights, while Akasa Air is expected to begin services from the following day. With Air India Express stepping back, IndiGo is likely to remain the largest operator at the airport for the foreseeable future.

According to the report by TOI, the Tata-backed Air India Group is focusing on reducing costs amid mounting financial losses.

As part of this strategy, Air India Express is avoiding additional spending on setting up operations at a new airport in a region where the group already has a strong presence through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

Several flight reductions made by Air India Express in recent months were linked to lower market demand and network rationalisation. The airline has also withdrawn services from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, as per TOI report.

Hindon Airport has witnessed a significant decline in flight operations this summer. The reduction is partly due to airlines cutting services because of rising operating costs linked to the conflict in West Asia.

During the winter season, Hindon handled around 25 daily aircraft movements, including arrivals and departures. However, that number has now fallen sharply to just eight daily movements, TOI reported.

09/06/2026 Moneycontrol

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SpiceJet funding crunch delays pilot pay, messages show, as it seeks state-backed loan

Indian airline SpiceJet has delayed salary payments to many of its pilots since March, internal messages seen by Reuters show, as the cash-strapped carrier said it is seeking an emergency loan under a government-backed credit scheme to help stabilise operations.

SpiceJet was India's second-largest domestic carrier by market share in 2019, carrying roughly 15% of passengers, but that has since fallen to a fourth-place share of 3.4%. Its long-standing financial troubles have been worsened ‌by the Middle East conflict, which ⁠has pushed ⁠up fuel prices and restricted airspace access, pressures that have also hit larger rivals IndiGo and Air India.

SpiceJet had 375 pilots as of March and has had salary payments pending for several months, according to two pilots and a Reuters review of chats from a WhatsApp group with more than 180 members, including pilots who fly Boeing aircraft and at least one senior airline official.

In one message, SpiceJet's senior vice president of flight operations, Virendra Malhotra, wrote on May 26 that he was aware "that all of you are going through a difficult phase owing to the delay in salary disbursement" and said the balance of February salaries would be released shortly.

09/06/2026 Economic Times

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Air India fined Rs 74,000 for charging student excess baggage

Air India has been fined Rs 74,000 by a consumer forum after it charged a student for excess baggage despite the passenger being eligible for additional allowance.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the case involved a student travelling abroad who claimed she was entitled to a higher baggage limit under the airline’s student policy. However, airport staff reportedly charged her extra for baggage that should have been allowed under the applicable rules.

The passenger later approached the consumer commission, arguing that the airline had failed to honour its own policy and had imposed unjustified charges. The complaint also highlighted the inconvenience and financial burden caused, particularly given the higher allowances typically extended to students relocating for education.

During the proceedings, the airline contested the claim, but the forum examined the fare rules and eligibility criteria related to student concessions.

After reviewing the evidence, the commission ruled in favour of the passenger, holding Air India responsible for deficiency in service. It noted that airlines are expected to clearly communicate and adhere to their published policies, especially when offering special categories like student fares.

The forum directed Air India to refund the excess baggage charges along with compensation, taking the total amount payable to around Rs 74,000. The order also included compensation for mental distress and litigation costs.

09/06/2026 Storyboard18

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‘It smelled like bodies had been left to rot’: Survivors of Air India disaster ‘forced to return to clear up crash site’

Nearly a year after Air India Flight 171 tore through a medical college campus in Ahmedabad, the physical scars of the disaster remain etched into the landscape. The blackened hostel buildings of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College have faded to a dull grey, with a gaping hole where the plane entered the building now looking more like the neglect of age than the impact of one of India's deadliest aviation disasters.

The Independent visited the scene one year on from the crash that killed 260 people, including 19 on the ground, and injured dozens more. For those who lived through the disaster on the ground, time has done little to soften the memories.

Returning to the site is not an act of closure, they say, but a confrontation with trauma, and an experience none of them ever wishes to relive. The sight of the ruined buildings revives memories of panic, death and immense pain, they say.

Not all survivors have had a choice about whether or not to return to the scene. Canteen worker Toralben Shaileshbhai Lakshari, 43, was injured fleeing the inferno on the day of the crash, yet recalls with horror how she and other staff were ordered to go back into the charred building to retrieve any kitchen equipment that wasn’t damaged beyond use.

Every step towards the wreckage brought to mind thoughts of those who died there, including a five-year-old girl she knew. “When we went there, my whole body froze,” she says. “I did not have it in me to go inside. I kept thinking about how quickly could I leave.”

Lakshari was working at the medical college on 12 June when the plane came crashing down. “All that I could think of while visiting the spot was, there are so many people who died at this very spot. How many bodies were here for how long… They must have been screaming. Some must have died without water,” she said.

09/06/2026 Namita Singh/Independent

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AAI Partners with Novo Cabs and WTI Cabs to Enhance Airport Connectivity Across India

In a move aimed at improving last-mile connectivity for air travellers, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Novo Cabs and WTI Cabs. The agreements were exchanged between Nivedita Dubey, Member (HR), AAI, and representatives of the two cab aggregators.

Under the partnership, Novo Cabs will provide seamless, affordable and reliable transportation services for passengers travelling to and from Jammu and Srinagar airports. WTI Cabs, meanwhile, will offer convenient cab services across major airports in the country.

The initiative reinforces AAI’s commitment to delivering a world-class, passenger-centric travel experience by ensuring smoother and more accessible airport connectivity for travellers nationwide.

08/06/2026 Ajit Kumar Singh/Voice of Chandigarh

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Ayodhya airport project receives national construction award

Lucknow: The Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) Ayodhya airport development project has received the IINA Platinum Award 2026 in the best construction project category at the ISDA Infracon National Awards. The award was presented during a ceremony held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi last week.

The award was accepted on behalf of AAI by Dhirendra Singh, airport director of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya.

According to AAI, the project was selected by an expert jury for its planning, engineering, construction quality and focus on infrastructure development. “The recognition highlights aspects such as safety standards, quality management practices and environmental considerations incorporated into the project,” Singh said.

09/06/2026 Times of India

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Amritsar airport gets long-awaited Inline baggage handling system

The new system, which has been fully commissioned at the airport, addresses one of the major concerns faced by passengers for years. Due to the absence of an inline baggage handling facility, travellers were required to first get their baggage screened at standalone X-ray machines before proceeding to airline check-in counters, often resulting in long queues, congestion and delays during peak travel hours.

Under the new arrangement, passengers can directly hand over their checked baggage at airline counters. The baggage is then automatically transported through a network of conveyor belts where it undergoes multiple levels of security screening, sorting and processing before being loaded onto aircraft.

The airport authorities said the state-of-the-art system integrates baggage movement, security screening and sorting operations into a single streamlined process. The automated facility is expected to significantly reduce passenger waiting times, improve operational efficiency and enhance security standards.

The system features a complex multi-tier conveyor network behind the check-in counters, equipped with integrated X-ray screening and baggage sortation technology. The automated process minimises manual handling of luggage while ensuring thorough security checks before baggage reaches the aircraft.

09/06/2026 Charanjit Singh Teja/Tribune

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Police foil abduction bid and robbery at Karipur airport, 13 arrested

 Police foiled an alleged attempt to abduct a person who arrived from abroad and rob him of gold and cash at Karipur airport near here, arresting 13 persons.

Acting on a tip-off, police launched an operation and arrested the accused from the premises of Karipur airport around 10 pm on Sunday. 

Two cars and two motorcycles used by the gang were also seized. The accused had assembled outside the airport with the intention of abducting a passenger identified as Subair.

09/06/2026 Mid Day

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Brief commotion over ‘molestation’ at airport

Patna: An alleged molestation incident involving a young woman at Patna airport on Monday sparked a brief commotion after bystanders intervened, overpowered the accused and handed him over to airport police.

Police detained the youth for questioning. Statements of people present at the airport cafeteria were also recorded as part of the inquiry.

According to airport police, the woman has not yet submitted a formal written complaint. However, officers initiated an inquiry based on her oral complaint and statements from witnesses present at the scene.

Airport police station officer Sunil Kumar Jaiswal said the youth was released after interrogation and verification of facts.

“The police checked the CCTV footage of the incident and it appears that the woman might have some misunderstanding. There is no molestation case. He claimed he did not know how his pants got torn. When he went to the washroom to change, it led to the misunderstanding,” he said.

Police said CCTV footage and preliminary inquiries did not substantiate the allegation of molestation. Following verification, the youth was allowed to leave.

08/06/2026 Times of India

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A Go-Around at 425 feet: What Really Happened to IndiGo Flight 6E2155?

 There was a detailed report in The Times of India on Sunday, about a go-around executed on Thursday, June 4th, by an IndiGo Airbus A321, flight 6E2155 (registration VT-IBB), operating from Pune to Ahmedabad.

The newspaper reported that passengers were left panicked when the aircraft climbed away after appearing to be close to landing. According to the report, the pilot later announced that air traffic control (ATC) had found the aircraft’s speed too high for landing, raising the possibility that it could overshoot the runway. The aircraft therefore discontinued the approach and attempted a second landing.

This prompted a review of the flight data, particularly the aircraft’s approach profile as recorded by Flightradar24, a popular flight-tracking platform.

According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft was approaching Ahmedabad’s Runway 23 on Thursday morning when it initiated a go-around at 10:23:09 a.m., at an altitude of approximately 425 feet. At that time, its speed was 137 knots (253.7 km/h).

For an Airbus A321 on final approach, a speed of 137 knots is not unusually high. Depending on aircraft weight, wind conditions and configuration, the normal final approach speed for this type typically ranges between 135 and 150 knots. An altitude of 425 feet is also well within the normal range for a stabilized final approach.

Despite this, the aircraft discontinued the landing and climbed away.

To understand why, a replay of aircraft movements at Ahmedabad Airport around that time was examined.

As the IndiGo aircraft descended towards Runway 23 and reached 425 feet, a Tecnam P2010 TDI aircraft (registration VT-XIA), operated by Ahmedabad-based Air Taxi, was seen moving at about 11.1 km/h near a taxiway connected to the runway.

At that moment, the distance between the IndiGo aircraft and the Tecnam aircraft was approximately 1.12 km. The Tecnam was about 131 metres from the runway centreline when the IndiGo aircraft initiated the go-around.

These measurements indicate that, assuming both aircraft maintained their respective speeds and directions, the Tecnam would not have entered the runway before the IndiGo aircraft reached that section of the airfield. However, changes in speed or clearance instructions could have altered the situation.

The available flight-tracking data therefore do not conclusively establish why the go-around was carried out. While the aircraft’s recorded speed does not appear unusually high for an Airbus A321 on final approach, the presence of another aircraft near the runway environment raises questions that cannot be conclusively answered without access to ATC recordings, airport movement data or the airline’s operational information.

However, with the data available, a more plausible explanation of the go-around is the possible conflict between the movements of the Indigo plane and the Tecnam aircraft.

08/06/2026 Jacob K Philip/Decision Height

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3 Air India Aircraft Damaged At Delhi Airport As Ground Equipment Breaks Loose In Sudden Storm

 Three Air India narrowbody aircraft were damaged at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Sunday after strong winds and heavy rain caused ground support equipment to break loose and collide with the parked planes, aiport operator DIAL said.

The incident occurred around 4.40 pm at parking bays near Terminal 2. According to airport officials, sudden inclement weather caused a step ladder and trestles belonging to Air India and IndiGo ground handling and engineering teams to move from their positions and strike the aircraft, news agency PTI reported.

All three affected Air India A320 aircraft were immediately taken out of operation for inspections and repairs. While two of the planes are expected to return to service within days, one aircraft suffered substantial damage and could remain grounded for a longer period.

DIAL said that no weather warning had been issued by Air Traffic Control before the storm, (to the airport operator or airlines) about any change in weather. Such warnings typically allow airlines and ground handlers to secure equipment on the tarmac before adverse weather strikes.

Airport sources said the powerful winds and rain displaced multiple pieces of ground support equipment, which were heavily damaged in the incident. One source said the stairwell area of an aircraft was significantly impacted, requiring extensive checks and repairs.

08/06/2026 Shobhit Gupta/News18.com

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Embraer Expects India to Advance Military Transport Aircraft Tender in Coming Months

India is expected to move forward with a long-awaited military transport aircraft procurement programme in the coming months, according to Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. The company anticipates that New Delhi will soon issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 60 to 80 transport aircraft, with Embraer’s C-390 Millennium among the leading contenders.

Speaking on the sidelines of an international aviation industry gathering in Rio de Janeiro, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto said the tender process is expected to gain momentum shortly, with a final procurement decision likely by the end of 2027. The aircraft maker views India as a key strategic market and is seeking to expand global sales of the C-390 Millennium.

The C-390 is competing against the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and is being promoted in India through Embraer’s partnership with the Mahindra Group.

08/06/2026 Business World

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Srikakulam administration secures local consent for proposed Palasa domestic airport

 In a move to transform the economic landscape of north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Palasa in Srikakulam district has been earmarked for the development of a domestic airport. Spread across 1,261 acres, the project is expected to give a big boost for the development of the backward region in the next 15 to 20 years, decentralising growth and creating new opportunities for the region.

In an interview with The New Indian Express Srikakulam District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar said that after a detailed geographical and technical survey, Palasa was identified as the most suitable location, and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has conducted a preliminary survey, and the project will be fully under its purview.

Dinkar said that along the airport, clean industries, commercial spaces, flight hangars, hotels, and allied facilities are planned, making the area a hub for aviation-linked development.

He mentioned that 200 acres belongs to the government, and nearly 900 acres are privately owned in the proposed Airport project. The government assured that the affected farmers will get fair compensation under the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, he added.

Collector Dinkar said “No village will be relocated or removed, and the administration has emphasised that the project will be implemented with the consent and cooperation of local communities.”

He highlighted that over 1,500 farmers’ opinions have already been collected, with many expressing willingness to part with their land. “This project is for the public and for the future of youth. With farmers and villagers willing, we will conduct the techno-economic feasibility survey, including soil and condition tests,” the Collector Dinkar said.

08/06/2026 Dharmendra Regana/New Indian Express

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Rs 3 Crore Ganja Seized From Bangkok Return Passenger At Bengaluru Airport

Bengaluru: A passenger who arrived from Bangkok at Kempegowda International airport here was arrested with hydroponic ganja, valued at Rs 3.57 crore, officials said on Monday.

The passenger was intercepted by the customs officials on June 5, they said.

Taking to social media platform 'X', the Bengaluru Customs said that 10.20 kg of hydroponic ganja, valued at Rs 3.57 crore, concealed in checked-in baggage, was seized from him.

According to the officials, in another incident on June 4, a passenger who arrived from Bangkok was held with 6.66 kg of hydroponic ganja, valued at Rs 2.33 crore, concealed in baggage at Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport here.

08/06/2026 NDTV

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India Clears Rs 13,000-Crore Dual-Use Airport In Great Nicobar: Report

The central government plans to invest up to Rs 13,000 crore for the construction of an airport in Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the Great Nicobar Islands development projects, ANI cited defence ministry sources as saying on Monday. 

The airport will be open for both civilians and the Indian navy and is expected to be completed in five years. The Defence Ministry and Ministry of Civil Aviation will share the budget together. 

The Great Nicobar Project is a strategic project which aims to strengthen India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. The project seeks to balance port-led growth with calibrated environmental safeguards and protection of indigenous communities.

By combining strategic, economic, and ecological priorities, the project seeks to ensure that development in Great Nicobar is sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with national interests.

Some of the main goals of the project include construction of a International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) with a capacity of 14.2 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit); Greenfield International Airport with a 4000 Peak Hour Passengers-PHP); a 450 MVA (Megavolt Ampere) gas and solar-based power plant; and a new township spanning 16,610 hectares.

08/06/2026 NDTV Profit

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Overseas body seeks Kerala CM intervention for “Point of Call” status for Kannur Airport

Indian Overseas Congress - Middle East has submitted a memorandum to Kerala Chief Minister Shri V.D. Satheesan highlighting several key issues concerning the global Malayali community and  with suggestions related to Kerala’s future development.  

Mansoor Palloor,  Middle East Convenor of Indian Overseas Congress, foreign affairs observer, and writer, met the Chief Minister in this regard and brought to his attention the pressing demands of expatriate Keralites in the Gulf region. 

In the memorandum, Mansoor Palloor conveyed his congratulations to the Chief Minister and the newly formed Council of Ministers. He also expressed hope that the new government would lead Kerala towards inclusive development, transparency, and progressive governance.

One of the major issues highlighted in the memorandum was the need to remove operational restrictions affecting Kannur International Airport. Despite being one of India’s most modern airports and serving lakhs of expatriates from North Kerala, foreign airlines continue to face operational limitations due to the absence of “Point of Call” status from the DGCA. The memorandum urged the state government to intervene with the Central Government to facilitate more international services, especially to GCC countries, and to allow greater access for foreign airlines.

08/06/2026 Madhyamam

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DRI busts gold smuggling racket at Mumbai airport; arrests BJP worker and 6 others, seizes contraband worth Rs 5 crore

Mumbai: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials arrested seven persons, including a BJP office-bearer, for their alleged involvement in a major gold smuggling racket at the city airport and seized over Rs 5 crore of gold dust mixed with wax in the wee hours of Saturday.

The arrested accused were identified as AI Airport Services Ltd employees Rohit Singh, Santosh Pol, and Ajit Acharekar, Samiullah Shah, Bangladeshi national Mohammed Kawsar, and Sri Lankan nationals Mohamed Faleel Kasim and Rifkhan Hameed Lebbe. Acharekar is reportedly associated with the BJP workers’ wing. He had joined the party a few months ago in the presence of state BJP president Ravindra Chavan.

Acting on a tipoff, DRI officials mounted surveillance near a luxury hotel close to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Around 2.30am, DRI officers noticed Singh handing over a black item to a man, later identified as Samiullah Shah, as Pol and Acharekar stood guard. All four were intercepted.

They were escorted to the Air Intelligence Unit office at CSMIA for questioning and search proceedings. On frisking Shah, the officers recovered a black sock containing three egg-shaped capsules wrapped in plastic and blue adhesive tape. The capsules were suspected to contain gold dust mixed with wax.

During interrogation, Shah allegedly told investigators that he had been instructed by his handlers to collect the capsules from the airport staff. Singh allegedly disclosed that the capsules had been collected from a Bangladeshi transit passenger who had arrived from Bangkok. He further claimed that two Sri Lankan transit passengers travelling on the same flight were also carrying smuggled gold concealed inside their bodies and were expected to hand it over to other members of the syndicate inside the airport transit area.

08/06/2026 Ahmed Ali/Times of India

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Ngp airport sees 12.24 lakh flyers in 2026 despite West Asia conflict: RTI

Nagpur: The city's Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport has recorded over 12.22 lakh passengers between January and May this year, according to an RTI reply issued by MIHAN India Ltd.

The data has come as a positive beacon for Nagpur, highlighting steady air traffic movement despite geopolitical uncertainty caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict and a broader economic tightening influenced by calls for austerity by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As per the RTI, the airport handled a total of 12.22 lakh passengers during the period, with 6.07 lakh arrivals and 6.15 lakh departures. The monthly trend shows relatively consistent traffic, with minor fluctuations across the first four months of the year.

In January 2026, the airport recorded 2.86 lakh passengers, followed closely by 2.82 lakh in February. March saw a moderate decline to 2.62 lakh passengers, while April further dipped to 2.5 lakh passengers. Up to May 15, the airport registered 1.39 lakh passengers.

Aviation observers note that the slight dip in March and April aligns with seasonal travel variations and possible adjustments in airline operations amid global fuel price volatility linked to West Asia tensions. Despite this, overall passenger demand has remained resilient, particularly in domestic sectors. The RTI also revealed non-scheduled air traffic activity at the airport. A total of 360 private aircraft and 183 helicopters landed at Nagpur airport between the same time frame.

08/06/2026 Sumukh Kulkarni/Times of India

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One Dreamliner leaves, six routes go dark, but IndiGo unveils 'bigger' FY30 ambitions

IndiGo on Monday released an ambitious growth blueprint that aims to nearly double its scale by FY30, betting on international expansion, long-haul operations, premium travel offerings and new revenue streams as it seeks to evolve into a global aviation player.

The strategy comes even as IndiGo fine-tunes its international network amid a challenging operating environment. Earlier this month, the airline announced temporary suspensions of flights to six international destinations between July and September, citing softer seasonal demand and an "incredibly challenging cost environment". It also said it would discontinue Manchester services from August 31 and return one of its six damp-leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners due to higher operating costs and airspace-related disruptions.

Presenting its vision at Analyst Day 2026, IndiGo said it is targeting around 200 million passengers annually by FY30, up from 123 million in FY26.

The airline also plans to increase daily departures to about 3,000 from more than 2,200 currently and expand its fleet to over 550 aircraft. The carrier described its FY30 vision as one of "Bigger scale, stronger impact" and said it is "on path to becoming a key global aviation player".

With the latest outlook, the airline plans to deepen its presence across long-haul international routes, premium travel segments, cargo operations and ancillary businesses while maintaining its low-cost foundation.

08/06/2026 Economic Times

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SpiceJet boosts fleet with three Airbus A320s, brings grounded 737 MAX back

SpiceJet is set to expand its fleet with the induction of three Airbus A320 aircraft under a damp lease arrangement, as the airline looks to strengthen capacity and improve operational flexibility ahead of the busy travel season.

The Gurugram-based carrier said on Monday that it has finalised lease agreements for the three aircraft, which are scheduled to join its fleet in July 2026.

In a parallel boost to its operations, the airline has also brought a previously grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft back into service. The aircraft has already resumed commercial flights, adding to the carrier's available capacity.

According to SpiceJet, the additional aircraft will help support growing passenger demand across its domestic and international network while enhancing operational resilience during a period of increased travel activity.

“These aircraft will help us meet growing passenger demand, strengthen operational resilience and enhance network flexibility during a busy travel period. We continue to focus on steadily expanding our fleet and improving operational readiness as we move forward with our growth plans,” Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer at SpiceJet, said in a statement.

08/06/2026 Moneycontrol

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Monsoon hits air services; Solapur-Goa, Solapur-Hyderabad flights closed till August

The monsoon has impacted air services. It has been reported that Solapur-Goa and Solapur-Hyderabad flights will be closed until August. This is a significant decision by Fly 91, and ticket sales will be ceased from June 19.

flights have been postponed for at least 2 to 3 months due to low visibility and night landing difficulties during the monsoon. Air services have frequently been disrupted during the monsoon season.

Although the air services will be suspended, the Fly 91 system and staff at the airport will remain operational, and there is a possibility of resuming services in the afternoon if conditions improve.

08/06/2026 Siddhi Naringrekar/Lok Shahi

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India, like all countries, hit by high oil prices, says IATA DG

India, like all other countries in the Asia Pacific region, has been impacted by high oil prices, global airlines' body IATA's Director General Willie Walsh said on Sunday.

Walsh, an aviation veteran who took over as the IATA DG in April 2021, will soon be helming India's largest airline, IndiGo.

With the Middle East disruptions, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects the average jet fuel prices to be 70 per cent higher year-on-year.

"That will add $100 billion to our collective fuel bill this year," Walsh said.

In response to a question from PTI at a briefing about the prospects for the Indian aviation market, Walsh said, "India, like all countries in the region, is impacted by the high oil prices. No part of the world is escaping the significant increase in oil prices".

Regarding speculations around jet fuel shortages, Walsh said the situation has been addressed, with refiners increasing their production of the jet fuel.

As per IATA, fuel costs are set to rise nearly 40 per cent to $350 billion this year from $252 billion in 2025.

08/06/2026 Manoj Rammohan/PTI/ET Infra

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Andhra Pradesh clears massive new aviation policy to become India’s eastern gateway

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh has set its sights on becoming India’s “Eastern Gateway” with the clearance of the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Policy 2026-31 (APAP-2026). A Government Order was issued on Saturday (June 6) after the Cabinet approval, replacing the State’s decade-old civil aviation framework with a sweeping five-year plan that blends connectivity, industry, and investment into one integrated blueprint.

At its core, the policy is about scale. AP currently accounts for just 1.5% of India’s passenger traffic, far behind States like Maharashtra and Karnataka. The new framework aims to lift that share to 4% by 2035 and 7% by 2047, requiring a dramatic expansion in annual passenger handling capacity from 6.2 million to 30.38 million.

To make this possible, the policy sets a 150 km radial accessibility target for every citizen, to be achieved through the development of nine new airports, a network of regional waterdromes, and the upgrading of minor domestic airstrips across the State.

AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao called it “the first of its kind in India,” noting that the policy goes beyond passenger transport to establish AP as a hub for aviation, aerospace, logistics, and aircraft maintenance.

The framework includes specialised Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aerospace manufacturing clusters, and component industries, all tied into the State’s broader Aerospace and Defence Policy. This integration is expected to generate thousands of jobs across airlines, airports, logistics firms, and technical institutes.

The blueprint also redraws the State’s aviation map. The Visakhapatnam Inter national Airport civil enclave will shut down for commercial flights once Bhogapuram International Airport opens, with GMR tasked to elevate Bhogapuram into a global airline hub. In the capital region, a greenfield airport at Amaravati is projected to become a major international gateway once global conditions stabilise.

08/06/2026 S Guru Srikanth/New Indian Express

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IndiGo charts global expansion push, targets 200 million passengers and 550-aircraft fleet by 2030

InterGlobe Aviation-operated IndiGo, has unveiled an ambitious growth blueprint aimed at transforming the carrier into a major global aviation player by the end of the decade.

Under its "IndiGo 2030" strategy, the airline plans to significantly scale operations, targeting annual capacity of 300 billion available seat kilometres (ASKs) and carrying 200 million passengers annually by 2030. The roadmap also envisions a fleet of more than 550 aircraft and over 3,000 daily flights, reinforcing IndiGo's dominance in the Indian aviation market while expanding its international footprint.

The carrier expects capacity growth to remain moderate in FY27 before accelerating in the following years, supported by aircraft additions and network expansion.

A central component of the strategy is a stronger focus on international operations. IndiGo aims to increase the contribution of mid- and long-haul international routes to between 10% and 15% of its total capacity by 2030, compared with roughly 4% today. As international services expand, the share of domestic operations is expected to gradually decline, though it will continue to account for the bulk of the airline's network.

The airline is also looking to strengthen its balance sheet and operational flexibility by increasing the proportion of owned aircraft within its fleet. Owned aircraft are expected to account for 30% to 40% of the fleet by the end of the decade, up from about one-fifth currently.

08/06/2026 Storyboard18

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