Pune airport gets 15 new slots; new routes to Tirupati, Mangaluru from May

Pune Airport is set to expand its air connectivity this May, with 15 additional flight slots approved by the Indian Air Force, taking the airport’s total slot count from 220 to 235. The new slots will facilitate the introduction of fresh routes connecting Pune to Tirupati (via Solapur), Mangaluru, and Bagdogra.

“Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol had requested the Indian Air Force to allow 15 additional slots, which had been agreed, and these new flight schedules would be part of these daytime slots. This is expected to boost tourism, trade, and regional integration,” said airport director Santosh Dhoke.

Tirupati via Solapur

One of the most important additions is a multi-leg route linking Pune to Tirupati through Solapur, creating two new sectors: Tirupati-Solapur-Pune and Pune-Solapur-Tirupati. Star Air will operate flight S5 331/332 on this route effective May 1.

On the Solapur-Pune leg, flights will arrive in Pune at 3:20 pm and depart back to Solapur at 4:00 pm six days a week except Saturday. While the Saturday service will arrive at 4:10 pm in Pune and depart at 4:40 pm. Timings for the Solapur-Tirupati leg are yet to be announced.

Mangaluru

FLY 91 will launch flight IC 1609/1610 connecting Mangaluru and Pune effective May 1. The flight from Mangaluru arrives in Pune at 6:40 pm and departs from Pune back to Mangaluru at 7:05 pm. The service will operate all seven days of the week.

Bagdogra

Air India will operate flight AI 4171/4172 between Bagdogra (IXB) and Pune effective May 1. The inbound flight arrives in Pune at 12:25 pm and departs at 1:15 pm, Monday through Sunday.

Dhoke highlighted the strategic importance of Bagdogra in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. “Bagdogra is strategically important as it serves as a gateway to the Northeast. Direct connectivity from Pune will significantly ease travel to these areas,” he said.

13/04/2026 Shubham Kurale/Indian Express

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Manipur CM reviews Imphal airport expansion, reaffirms commitment to high-quality aviation infrastructure

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday inspected the ongoing upgradation of the new terminal at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal and reiterated that the government is fully committed to delivering infrastructure that meets the highest standards for the people. 

The expansion and facelift of Imphal airport, including the construction of a new terminal building awarded in 2022, had been stalled for several months following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023. However, work has recently resumed, and the Airports Authority of India now expects the project to be completed by 2027. 

During his visit to the airport on Monday, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of construction. Later, in a Facebook post, Khemchand Singh noted: “Encouraging progress has been made, and we remain hopeful that upon timely completion, passenger convenience and service delivery will be significantly enhanced.” “At the same time, certain shortcomings in workmanship were observed. Necessary directions have been issued for immediate rectification to ensure quality standards are upheld,” he added.

Khemchand Singh also reviewed the air cargo terminal facilities during his inspection. “The government remains firmly committed to strengthening airport infrastructure and ensuring efficient, high-quality services for our people. Ensuring that our International Airport operates at optimal efficiency remains a key responsibility of the government,” he stated. While interacting with the AI officials, he assured that the government would extend all possible assistance for the timely completion of the construction of the terminal.

14/04/2026 India News

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China Eastern Airlines resumes direct flights from Kunming to Kolkata in India

Direct flights linking the Indian city of Kolkata and Southwest China's Kunming in Yunnan province will resume operations on April 18 by China Eastern Airlines, a new development following the restoration of the Shanghai-Delhi route in November 2025, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

The Kunming-Kolkata direct flights will be operational from Kunming every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Kunming, with the return flights scheduled to depart from Kolkata every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

As the capital city of India's West Bengal state, Kolkata is not only the commercial and financial hub of eastern and northeastern India but also the country's third-largest city.

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is striving to strengthen its role as a hub for opening up in Southwest China through continuously improved transportation networks for aviation and rail.

13/04/2026 Wang Ying/China Daily

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Pakistani woman shares what her 10-hour layover at Mumbai airport looked like

A Pakistani woman shared what a 10-hour layover at Mumbai airport looked like for her, and her surprisingly smooth experience is now winning hearts online.

The video, posted by Instagram user Wanzipa, who is based in London, documented her transit through Mumbai while travelling to Nepal. Right from the start, she admitted she was nervous. “Like any normal person, I was nervous boarding the flight because India and Pakistan are not the best of friends,” she said.

After landing in Mumbai following an 11-hour IndiGo flight, she shared that the process was far simpler than anticipated. Security checks, she said, were seamless and uneventful. Since she was only transiting and staying within the international terminal, there was no immigration process involved.

With a long layover ahead, she showed snippets of herself exploring the airport, walking through terminals, relaxing, and eventually settling into a lounge where she could eat and rest. “It was quite late, and we were exhausted, found this lovely lounge where we could have food and rest for a bit,” she said, capturing the calm, almost routine nature of her stopover.

There was one brief moment of concern during her stay.

She recalled receiving a WhatsApp call from an Indian number informing her about a “suspicious item” in her luggage. But what initially sounded alarming turned out to be a minor issue. She was simply asked to remove a power bank from her checked-in bag. “Staff was so lovely throughout,” she added, emphasising how the situation was handled smoothly.

14/04/2026 India Today

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Noida International Airport adopts low-emission furniture; aims to be India’s first net-zero airport

New Delhi: Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar has emerged as one of the first airports in the country to use low-emission certified furniture and workstations across its 1,00,000 sq m terminals and back office areas.

An official release from the airport said, “This supports NIA’s ambition to be India’s first net-zero airport through clean energy, efficient design, and low-impact operations.” Made from low-emission materials, the furniture ranges from public seating and lounge systems to modular workstations, control desks, and specialised installations.

“The airport boasts workstations that are 66% recyclable and carry a 115.43 kg CO2e cradle-to-gate carbon footprint – critical to serve the airport’s expected 12 million annual passengers,” it said.

NIA marks a concrete shift from conventional airport fit-outs, where sustainability features are often limited to building design, it added.

“Completed in two zero-delay phases, the 5 lakh sqft project consists of 6,000-plus furniture units and specialised installations involving precision manufacturing and parallel execution,” the release said.

13/04/2026 New Indian Express

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CISF's quick action helps German passenger retrieve bag at Delhi airport

A moment of panic turned into relief for a German traveller at Delhi airport, thanks to the swift response of CISF personnel, an incident now being widely praised online.

According to the post shared on X by Airport Sector of the Central Industrial Security Force (APS-CISF), Carla Teresa Dettki, a German national travelling from Delhi to Colombo, accidentally left her bag behind at the security check. What could have turned into a stressful situation was quickly resolved thanks to the swift action taken by CISF staff on duty.

“Ms Carla Teresa Dettki, a German national traveling from Delhi to Colombo, inadvertently left her bag at the security check. Upon being informed, CISF personnel acted promptly, traced the baggage, and handed it over to her. She appreciated the prompt assistance,” the post read.

The accompanying video shows Dettki explaining how she realised her bag was missing and expressing gratitude towards the CISF team for helping her recover it without delay. Her relief and appreciation are evident, turning what could have been a travel disruption into a positive experience.

13/04/2026 India Today

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Family Of 8 Spends Rs 49 Lakh On Flight, KLM Denies Boarding At Bengaluru Airport

For J S Sathishkumar, chairman of a medical institution based in Salem, Tamil Nadu, a long-planned international family trip ended not at the destination they had dreamed of, but in a courtroom. What was meant to be a celebratory journey from India to Peru has now spiralled into a legal battle involving one of the world's major airlines, raising questions about passenger rights, documentation checks and the responsibilities of airline staff during international travel.

Court Orders FIR Against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' Top Executives

According to a report by The New Indian Express, a court in Karnataka has directed the police to register an FIR against senior executives of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (the flag carrier of the Netherlands), including its chief executive officer (CEO) and chief operating officer (COO).

The directive was issued by a civil judge and judicial magistrate in Devanahalli, under whose jurisdiction Kempegowda International Airport falls.

The order follows a complaint filed by J S Sathishkumar, after his family was denied boarding at Bengaluru airport at the last minute. The reason? Confusion around visa.

The complaint centres on an incident that occurred on June 19, 2024, when Sathishkumar and seven members of his extended family were scheduled to fly from Bengaluru to Peru on KLM. The family had booked eight non-refundable business-class tickets, reportedly costing around Rs 49 lakh, with a return journey planned for July 3, 2024.

13/04/2026 Jigyasa Kakwani/NDTV Travel

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Kareena Kapoor cuts long queue at Mumbai airport, netizens roast her over ‘VIP treatment’

A viral clip of Kareena Kapoor at Mumbai Airport has ignited a fresh debate on celebrity privilege. The actor is seen walking past a long queue at the entrance security check and heading straight inside, prompting mixed reactions online.

While some users criticised what they called “VIP treatment” and questioned fairness for regular passengers, others defended the actor, suggesting she may have opted for a paid fast-track or special airport service.

The video, widely shared on X with over a million views, has once again brought the spotlight on how celebrities navigate public spaces.

One user @shivbasu2 commented, “When the public becomes foolish enough to lose self respect they will allow such i*diotic activities happen under their eyes. Who is to blame? Those in the long queue they’re . These people get no importance in the USA or UK etc developed countries.”

“Sense of entitlement. People in the queue should have intervened, stopped her from moving ahead, or at least raised their voices,” wrote another user.

13/04/2026 Tribune

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Indian national arrested with cannabis at TIA

Kathmandu: An Indian national has been arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport with approximately two kilograms of cannabis, authorities said.

The suspect, who arrived in Kathmandu today on a SriLankan Airlines flight from Colombo, Sri Lanka, was apprehended from the airport’s customs area by the Armed Police Force Nepal.

According to APF spokesperson Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai, the seized narcotics and the individual have been handed over to Nepal Police for further investigation.

13/04/2026 Republica

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IndiGo offers up to 10% off on flights in limited-period ‘Summer Getaway’ Sale

IndiGo has unveiled its exciting ‘Summer Getaway’ sale, bringing travellers an opportunity to plan their summer holidays or early festive getaways with attractive savings and added convenience. But make sure the bookings for travel from July 1, 2026, to October 9, 2026, are done between April 14, 2026, and April 17, 2026, to avail the limited-time offer.

As part of this campaign, customers can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on both domestic and international flight bookings by using the promo code SUMR10.

The offer is available across multiple booking platforms, including the airline’s official website (www.goindigo.in), mobile app, AI-powered assistant 6Eskai, IndiGo WhatsApp service (+91 70651 45858), and select travel partner platforms to ensure a seamless and accessible booking experience for all types of travelers.

In addition to discounted fares, IndiGo is enhancing the overall travel experience by offering significant deals on its popular 6E add-ons. During the offer period, travellers can avail discounts of up to 70% on Fast Forward services, allowing quicker airport processing. The airline is also offering pre-paid excess baggage at discounts of up to 50%.

14/04/2026 CNBCTV18.com

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SpiceJet seeks relief from ₹144.5 crore deposit in Maran dispute case

New Delhi: SpiceJet on Monday urged the Delhi High Court to grant urgent relief from a direction requiring it to deposit Rs 144.5 crore in connection with its long-running dispute with former promoter Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways, cautioning that enforcement of the order could push the airline into financial distress.

 Appearing for the low-cost carrier, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the airline’s current financial position makes it impossible to comply with the deposit requirement within the stipulated timeline. It was argued that insisting on the payment at this stage could severely disrupt operations, with the potential to ground flights and trigger a broader collapse.

Rohatgi said that the entire business is held up and that their airline is the smallest of the big three airlines. “If my accounts are attached for non-deposit, the entire system will collapse or at least I will collapse,” he told the court and asked for more time to arrange the money.

 The dispute stems from a share transfer agreement dating back to 2015, when SpiceJet was taken over by its present promoter Ajay Singh from the Maran family.

 Subsequent disagreements over warrants and financial obligations led to arbitration proceedings, which resulted in an award in favour of the Marans.

While portions of the arbitral award have been contested and partially set aside over the years, the matter has continued to generate litigation, including enforcement proceedings. The present direction to deposit Rs 144.5 crore arises from these ongoing efforts to secure the awarded sums.

13/04/2026 Bhavini Mishra/Business Standard

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Air India's Boeing 787-8 lands in Delhi after refurbishment in California

Mumbai: The first refurbished wide-body Boeing 787-8 aircraft of Air India landed at Delhi Airport on Monday, more than three years after the Tata Group-owned airline announced a USD 400-million investment plan to carry out a comprehensive refit of its legacy twin-aisle fleet.

The aircraft, VT-ANT, operated a non-stop ferry flight from San Bernardino in the United States, flying over the Pacific, and landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi at 10 pm, the airline said.

San Bernardino International Airport in California acts as a major hub for maintenance, painting and storage of Boeing aircraft.

Air India on Monday welcomed its first retrofitted, twin-aisle B787-8 (registered VT-ANT), marking the successful completion of a nose-tail cabin refresh of the first of 26 B787 aircraft, the airline said.

The aircraft, which received comprehensive interior upgrades at Boeing's modification centre in Victorville, California, was subsequently painted in Air India's striking new livery at AeroPro, an FAA Part-145 certified aircraft paint facility in California, the airline said.

Following the requisite regulatory certifications and clearances, the aircraft operated a non-stop ferry flight from San Bernardino to Delhi, it stated.

13/04/2026 PTI/Business Standard

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UAE travel: India’s IndiGo launches summer sale on flights to India

Dubai: India’s biggest airline, IndiGo, has launched a four-day summer getaway flash sale, offering up to 10% off domestic and international flights, including routes popular with UAE travellers heading to India during the summer break.

The sale is open for bookings from April 14 to April 17, 2026, for travel between July 1 and October 9, 2026 — a peak holiday window for families, expatriates and leisure travellers.

Passengers can claim the discount by entering promo code SUMR10 when booking through IndiGo’s website, app, WhatsApp channel, AI assistant 6Eskai, or selected travel partners.

For UAE residents planning summer trips to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi and Chennai, the timing is significant as demand for India-bound flights usually rises sharply ahead of school holidays.

14/04/2026 Dhanusha Gokulan/Gulf News

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Air India taps Hughes multi-orbit primed IFC for tranche of widebodies

Hamburg: Air India has selected Hughes Network Systems’ multi-orbit primed, high-capacity Ka-band satellite-based inflight connectivity service to power onboard Wi-Fi for a mixture of widebodies in its fleet.

Under arrangements announced today at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, the airline will leverage Airbus’s linefit, supplier-furnished HBCplus program to bring the Hughes In-Flight-branded IFC service to new A350-1000 aircraft. Hughes is a managed service provider on the HBCplus program.

Air India will also offer Hughes In-Flight on existing Boeing Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

RAVE Aerospace’s Ka-band terminal, which is based on ThinKom Solutions’ popular Ka-band 2517 VICTS hardware — and a key piece of kit on the Ka-band side of Airbus HBCplus — will be installed on the A350-1000s, 787-8s and 777-300ERs (whether via linefit at Airbus in the first instance, or retrofit in the latter.)

Financial terms of the deals have not been disclosed.

Air India has thus far taken a multi-source approach to IFC, as it also offers Panasonic Avionics’ Ku-band geostationary (GEO) satellite-supported system on select aircraft, as part of Panasonic’s partnership with Tata Group company Nelco in India.

14/06/2026 Mary Kirby/Runway Girl Network

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US Challenges Adani’s Plan To Move Cargo Operations To Navi Mumbai Airport, Flags Possible Breach Of India–US Aviation Pact

A proposal by the Adani Group to relocate cargo operations from Mumbai’s primary airport to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport has drawn objections from US authorities.

According to a Bloomberg report, the US Department of Transportation had written to India’s Aviation Ministry in March, raising concerns that the proposed shift of freighter services, including those operated by FedEx, could breach the India–US Air Transport Agreement.

The US side has cautioned that compelling American carriers to relocate may invite retaliatory measures under the bilateral pact.

The move follows a directive by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., which operates both Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai airport, asking cargo operators to transition in phases between August 2026 and May 2027.

The company has attributed the decision to planned infrastructure upgrades at Mumbai airport that are expected to reduce cargo handling capacity.

13/04/2026 Arjun Brij/Swarajya

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Cleared for takeoff, unfit to land: How India’s aviation giants lost their captains

It was waiting to happen. The June 2025 Ahmedabad crash of an Air India flight, which killed 260

people, and IndiGo's catastrophic operational breakdown — which alone erased Rs 37,000 crore in

market cap in December — reflected a deeper problem impacting both airlines, which had made the

position of their respective CEOs untenable.

Within a month, both Campbell Wilson of Air India and Pieter Elbers of IndiGo were gone, casualties

of a sector where the margin for error at the top is less. 

In the case of IndiGo, several issues pointed directly at the inefficiency of top management. Reports

about near-misses in the air, an increasingly fragile crew, whistleblowers accusing management of

unsafe, fatigue-inducing rosters, and the regulator issuing a show-cause notice to CEO Pieter Elbers

over planning and oversight lapses kept adding up.

pointing out that pilot fatigue at IndiGo had reached impairment levels comparable to flying after

consuming alcohol above legal limits. Surveys of pilots indicated that they experienced excessive

daytime sleepiness and were forced to fly despite feeling too fatigued; there were also reports that

one pilot was dismissed after reporting fatigue.

When the airline management failed to prepare for the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)

effective from November 1, 2025, the consequences were catastrophic, with hundreds of flights

cancelled. The airline's biggest asset — its loyal customer base — was left blindsided as it ran a

schedule it simply could not legally operate. It had not recruited enough pilots or made

timely changes to rosters to incorporate FDTL norms, and published a winter schedule that could not

be implemented under the new duty-time and rest limits.

Once the norms came into effect, the crisis hit the roof, leading to a "schedule meltdown" with 4,500–

5,500 cancellations over about 10 days and on-time performance dropping to around 4%, causing

massive hardship for passengers. The DGCA's show-cause notice made it clear that the "primary

cause" of the disruption was IndiGo's "non-provisioning of adequate arrangements" to meet the

revised FDTL requirements — a failure of manpower planning, rostering and operational

preparedness for safety-driven rules that had been signalled well in advance. The airline kept

assuring passengers and stakeholders that it was in control of the situation. The December crisis

proved otherwise.

13/04/2026 K Giriprakash/Deccan Herald

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Govt funds Gurugram startup to build hybrid take-off drone tech

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under DST has approved funding for a Gurugram-based aerospace startup to develop hybrid propulsion technology that could allow drones and light aircraft to take off from short runways or near-vertically. TDB signed the agreement with Casey Aviation Private Limited on Sunday.

The technology, if successful, could enable faster emergency medical evacuations and disaster response operations in remote parts of India where conventional runways do not exist. The system would allow unmanned aircraft to reach areas currently inaccessible to traditional aviation.

Casey Aviation will receive a conditional grant under the India-UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability. The company is partnering with UK-based ARC Aerosystems Ltd to develop the system, which it calls Boost Electric Jump Take-Off (BE-JTO).

The project combines electric and conventional propulsion systems to create what engineers call a hybrid powerplant. This hybrid system generates enough thrust for an aircraft to take off from very short distances or climb near-vertically, similar to a helicopter but using different mechanics.

13/04/2026 Tech Observer

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India, UK join hands to create propulsion testing facility for unmanned aviation

The Central government’s Technology Development Board (TDB) entered an agreement with Gurugram-based Casey Aviation Private Limited to develop an advanced hybrid propulsion-based Jump Take-Off (JTO) system for enhancing the operational capabilities of unmanned and light aircraft platforms, an official statement said on Monday. 

The proposed solution integrates hybrid propulsion technologies to enable short or near-vertical take-off capabilities for platforms such as gyrocopters and unmanned aerial systems.

The project also envisaged the establishment of a dedicated test bench facility for validating rotorcraft propulsion systems, as a critical infrastructure for testing and optimisation of next-generation aerial mobility technologies, the statement from the Ministry of Science & Technology said.

It will be the first such propulsion testing facility in North India, a validated testing infrastructure for startups and developers working in unmanned and advanced aerial mobility systems.

The government-run board has sanctioned a conditional grant for the project titled 'Boost Electric Jump Take-Off (BE-JTO)' under the India-UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability, in partnership with UK-based ARC Aerosystems Ltd.

13/04/2026 Investment Guru India

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GE Aerospace signs contract with Indian Air Force to help establish in-country depot for F404-IN20 engines

New Delhi: GE Aerospace on Monday announced a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish an in-country depot facility for the F404-IN20 engines that power IAF's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet.

According to a press release, the facility will be set up by the IAF with technical inputs from GE Aerospace and is expected to help India's indigenous defence sustainment effort. Once operational, the facility will eliminate the need to depend on the overseas repair centres, significantly improving turnaround times.

The depot facility will be owned, operated, and maintained by the Indian Air Force, with GE Aerospace providing technical inputs, training, support staff, and the supply of necessary spares and specialised equipment, the release said.

This collaboration marks the next step in the four-decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the IAF.

"Our commitment to supporting India's armed forces continues to guide our collaboration and partnership in expanding local sustainment capabilities of the Tejas fleet," said Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defence and Systems at GE Aerospace.

"Through the upcoming depot facility, we will support the availability of the F404-IN20 engines for the Indian Air Force, ensuring they have ready access to cutting-edge technology to power their defence needs," she said.

The release further stated that GE Aerospace is committed to developing India's aerospace ecosystem, spanning design, development, manufacturing, and sustainment for both commercial and military aviation. For example, 150 engineers have passed out of the company's local two-year Edison Engineering Development Program, which develops engineering leaders.

Several skilling initiatives over ten years have helped train over 5,000 people with core manufacturing skills at the company's Pune factory.

13/04/2026 ANI

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Gurugram-based Casey Aviation Secures TDB Grant to Build Hybrid Propulsion Test Facility in North India

The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of  Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Casey Aviation Pvt Ltd, Gurugram, for the project titled “Boost Electric Jump Take-Off (BE-JTO).” The conditional grant is sanctioned under the India–UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability, in partnership with UK-based ARC Aerosystems Ltd.

Project Title: Boost Electric Jump Take-Off (BE-JTO)

Partners: TDB, Casey Aviation Pvt Ltd (India), ARC Aerosystems Ltd (UK)

Funding: Conditional grant under India–UK Collaborative R&D Programme

Develop advanced hybrid propulsion-based Jump Take-Off (JTO) systems

Enhance operational capabilities of unmanned and light aircraft

Establish a dedicated test bench facility for rotorcraft propulsion systems.

Applications

Regional connectivity in remote areas

Disaster response and medical evacuation

Unmanned logistics and surveillance operations

Strategic Importance

First hybrid propulsion testing facility in North India

Supports startups and developers in aerial mobility systems

Facilitates commercialization of hybrid propulsion solutions

13/04/2026 IndianWeb2

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Campbell Wilson’s Air India Exit: A turbulent journey that transformed the ‘Maharaja’

When Campbell Wilson landed in Delhi in July 2022 to take charge of Air India, he was, by his own account, not the first person the Tata Group had called. The job had initially been offered to a former chairman of Turkish Airlines, who withdrew after public and government objections about his nationality and political ties. Ratan Tata then turned to Singapore Airlines, an old partner of the Tatas, who pointed him towards Wilson with their full backing.

Wilson was 51, a New Zealander from Christchurch who had spent the entirety of his professional life with the Singapore Airlines group. 

He had a Master of Commerce with first-class honours from the University of Canterbury, and colleagues over three decades had described him as punctilious and genial.

He had opened Scoot, Singapore Airlines‘ low-cost carrier, from scratch in 2011 and led it to becoming profitable before returning to SIA as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In April 2020, as the pandemic led to a near collapse of global aviation, Campbell went back to Scoot for a second stint to do what he earned recognition for – to steer the low-cost carrier through the wreckage, as per media reports. 

Come 2022, Wilson Campbell officially took charge of Air India on July 25, 2022.

Wilson’s first formal act was to lay out a five-year transformation roadmap he called Vihaan.AI, an initiative aimed at making Air India a world-class global airline with what he described as an “Indian heart.” This is as per the Air India press releases dated September 15, 2022, just two months after Wilson joined Air India. 

13/04/2026 Financial Express

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Asia Air Travel Chaos: Delhi, Tokyo, Dubai Among Worst-Hit As 1,470 Flights Delayed, 67 Cancelled

Air travel across Asia was severely disrupted, with around 67 flights cancelled and nearly 1,470 delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across multiple countries.

The disruption affected nations including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, the UAE, India, and Indonesia, as airports struggled to handle heavy passenger volumes and operational challenges.

Data from April 12 indicates a much larger scale of disruption during the day, with approximately 445 cancellations and 3,839 delays recorded across a wider region stretching from Northeast Asia to the Gulf, including China and Saudi Arabia. The situation led to overcrowded terminals and major schedule disruptions.

Several major airports faced intense pressure. Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport reported the highest number of delays at 216 along with 13 cancellations, followed by Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport with 199 delays.

In Japan, Tokyo’s Haneda Airport saw 182 delays, while Narita recorded 90 delays and 10 cancellations.

13/04/2026 Aanchal Sinha/News18.com

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CEOs Of Air India And IndiGo Exit Amid Deeper Malaise In Domestic Aviation, Raising Safety Concerns And Regulatory Questions

The departures of the CEOs of two of India's biggest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, which together account for 90 per cent of the domestic aviation market, need to be put in a proper context. These resignations, though overdue, clearly point to a deeper malaise within the domestic industry that will not go away even after two CEOs have exited. More of that later. 

The crisis at these two airlines was largely due to those at the helm either not taking the warning signs seriously enough to warrant immediate action to plug the loopholes, or their organisations not allowing them to do so. How else does one explain an incident as recent as April 9, 2026, when Air India flight AI-2812 from Mumbai to Bengaluru was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to a midair engine stall? 

This was not the only instance. 

There have been several others. Or the DGCA flagging in a note to Parliament that by early 2025–26, roughly 70–80 per cent of inspected Air India aircraft showed recurring technical faults. For an airline that has placed orders worth $90 billion and positioned itself as a world-class carrier, this gap between ambition and ground reality is deeply troubling. 

Take IndiGo, which, with a 65 per cent market share, has almost the entire domestic sky at its command. Whistleblowers and anonymous open letters from long-serving insiders accused top management of enforcing unsafe, fatigue-inducing rosters and a toxic internal culture.

12/04/2026 Free Press Journal

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Star Air adds 70 weekly flights including first direct Mundra to Delhi NCR route

New Delhi: Star Air has announced the launch of 70 new direct flights weekly across its network, now including a vital new link between Hindon (Delhi NCR) and Mundra, Gujarat’s port city. With Mundra joining as Star Air’s 32nd destination, travellers from Delhi NCR gain direct access to a key economic hub, further strengthening business and leisure ties across northern and western India.

Starting 25th April 2026, Star Air will operate 38 direct weekly flights and a total of 54 weekly connections, linking Mundra to six key cities across Western and Northern India. With over 17,000 additional seats now available each month, this landmark move stands among the largest boosts to air connectivity and economic growth the region has ever seen.

The expansion sees Mundra directly linked to Hindon (Delhi-NCR), Mumbai, Goa (Mopa), and Surat, offering business and leisure travellers unmatched access and convenience. In addition to the 38 direct weekly flights, Star Air will introduce 16 weekly one-stop connections, strengthening ties with Kolhapur and Bhuj which will add 4,104 seats weekly and 17,000 seats monthly in its operating network.

13/04/2026 Aviation World

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Air India receives first refurbished B787-8 aircraft

Air India begins induction of retrofitted B787-8 aircraft with new interiors and three-class configuration, part of a broader fleet overhaul spanning Dreamliners, B777s, and A320 family jets.

Air India has taken delivery of its first refurbished Boeing 787-8, marking a key milestone in the Tata Group-owned airline’s ongoing widebody modernisation programme. The aircraft, registered VT-ANT, underwent a comprehensive cabin overhaul at Boeing’s modification facility in Victorville, California, followed by a full repaint in Air India’s new livery at an FAA-certified facility in San Bernardino.

While delivery was originally slated for February, delays pushed the timeline, with the induction now expected to trigger a steady pipeline of retrofits. A second B787-8 is already undergoing refurbishment.

The upgrade is part of a broader plan to revamp Air India’s legacy fleet with new interiors and branding. Over the next two years, all 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft will be retrofitted with a three-class configuration comprising Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

The refurbished aircraft features new-generation Business Class seats that will also be deployed on incoming new Boeing 787-9s, ensuring product commonality across the Dreamliner fleet. Air India has already inducted its first 787-9, VT-AWA, directly from Boeing earlier this year.

13/04/2026 Akbar Merchant/Financial Express

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Price hikes, outlook cuts - What airlines are doing as fuel costs surge

A surge in jet fuel prices driven by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has upended the global aviation industry, forcing airlines to raise fares and revise financial outlooks.

Jet fuel prices have soared from $85 to $90 per barrel to $150 to $200 per barrel in recent weeks, a financial hit for an industry where fuel accounts for up to a quarter of operating expenses.

Below is a list of how airlines are responding, in alphabetical order:

Air India

The Indian flag carrier said it would revise its fuel surcharge from a flat domestic surcharge to a distance-based grid. It said surcharges on international routes did not compensate for the exponential rise in jet fuel prices.

Akasa Air

India's Akasa Air said it was introducing a fuel surcharge ranging between 199 and 1,300 Indian rupees ($2 to $14) on domestic and international flights.

Indigo

India's biggest airline said it would introduce fuel charges on domestic and international flights from March 14, including a charge of 900 rupees for flights to the Middle East and a charge of 2,300 rupees for flights to Europe.

The company is also lobbying the Indian government to cut fuel taxes, sources told Reuters.

14/04/2026 Reuters/Tribune

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Uttar Pradesh Temple Tourism Boom Lifts India's Aviation Sector in 2026

Uttar Pradesh's temple tourism explosion is reshaping India's domestic aviation landscape. From Ayodhya's Ram Mandir to Varanasi's sacred corridors, record-breaking visitor numbers are forcing airlines to expand routes, increase flight frequencies, and boost passenger capacity across the country. The phenomenon represents a fundamental shift in how India's aviation sector operates, with pilgrimage traffic now rivaling or exceeding traditional leisure and business travel patterns. Airlines, airports, and ground operators are racing to meet unprecedented demand from devotees seeking spiritual experiences at Uttar Pradesh's most revered sites.

Since its public opening in January 2024, Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has become India's undisputed tourism powerhouse. Visitor data consistently places this Uttar Pradesh temple among the world's most-visited pilgrimage destinations, regularly exceeding footfall at traditionally dominant sites. The newly inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, which opened in late 2023, now channels over one million annual passengers directly to pilgrims seeking darshan at the temple.

The economic ripple effects extend far beyond Ayodhya itself. Tourism authorities project that annual visitors will continue climbing throughout 2026 and beyond, creating sustained demand for air connectivity. This surge has prompted major airlines to position Ayodhya as a primary domestic hub, with dedicated flight schedules designed specifically around pilgrimage seasons and festival periods. The airport expansion reflects confidence that this growth trajectory will persist for years to come.

14/04/2026 Preeti Gunjan/Nomad Lawyer

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Civil Aviation Ministry raises issue of restricted access for Indian carriers at Dubai airports

New Delhi: The Civil Aviation Ministry has, through the Consulate General in Dubai, approached authorities over the highly restricted access for Indian carriers at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, a senior official said.

While restrictions on all foreign flights have been in place since February 28 and extended periodically, the latest curbs from April 20 to May 31 are expected to severely impact Indian airlines, sources said. Each airline is currently permitted only one round flight per day to either of the two airports.

A senior civil aviation official said the issue has been taken up with Dubai authorities through the Indian Embassy and efforts have been ongoing for the past ten days.

Air India Express, IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet operate multiple daily flights to Dubai under normal circumstances.

An airline executive said operations were halted after the conflict that began on February 28, with only a few special flights initially allowed. Subsequently, airlines were permitted one slot per day, extended periodically. The latest extension continues this restriction until May 31.

12/04/2026 New Indian Express

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Jewar Airport Redrawing NCR’s Real Estate Map

Luxury in NCR is quietly changing its address. For years, the premium tag was closely tied to Gurugram’s niche sectors and select pockets of South Delhi. What is unfolding along the Noida-Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway corridors, however, signals a clear realignment. Luxury today is no longer defined solely by a postcode; it is increasingly shaped by infrastructure, accessibility and future readiness.

At the heart of this shift is infrastructure rather than sentiment. The recent inauguration of the Noida International Airport has significantly reshaped perceptions of the region, positioning NCR’s eastern corridor as one of the country’s most closely watched real estate growth stories.

According to the latest report by Knight Frank India, the airport is expected to significantly strengthen developer confidence and drive fresh residential supply across Greater Noida’s micro-markets. The report highlights that since the foundation stone of the airport was laid in November 2021, the region has witnessed a steady rise in launches and sales activity.

Greater Noida accounted for 28% of total NCR residential launches in 2025, a notable increase from 19% in 2021. Annual residential launches have also surged from 4,415 units in 2021 to nearly 14,000 units in 2025, underscoring the growing developer interest in the corridor.

The airport development also marks a structural shift in NCR’s aviation framework. With the addition of Jewar, the region is gradually moving towards a three-airport ecosystem, complementing the existing aviation infrastructure and decentralising passenger traffic. The phased expansion strategy is expected to position Jewar as a major secondary aviation hub in North India.

11/04/2026 Kausar Firdausi/Outlook

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Air India Express to operate flights between Mangaluru and Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah on April 13

Air India Express will operate its flights between Mangaluru and Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah on Monday (April 13).

It will operate its Mangaluru–Dubai–Mangaluru flights IX 6040/6041, Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi–Mangaluru flights IX 6083/6086, and Mangaluru–Jeddah–Mangaluru flights IX 845/847, sources at the Mangaluru International Airport said.

Flights services between Mangaluru and West Asian cities were disrupted since the war between Iran and US-Israel broke out on February 28.

12/04/2026 The Hindu

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Shivamogga MP writes to M.B. Patil to ensure Shivamogga-Bengaluru flight services are unaffected

Member of Parliament from Shivamogga B.Y. Raghavendra has written to the Minister for Industries M.B. Patil to intervene to ensure the flight services of Indigo Airlines, connecting Shivamogga and Bengaluru, are not affected.

A press communique from the MP’s office on Sunday, stated that Mr. Raghavendra wrote to Mr. Patil on April 5, stating that the suspension of the flight services with effect from May 1, was a matter of concern for regular passengers from the Malnad region and those from neighbouring districts.

The airport, built by spending around ₹450 crore, that started its operations on August 31, 2023, has handled 2,400 flights and served more than 1 lakh passengers since then. The Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) entered into an agreement with Indigo in April 2023, providing financial support of ₹78,000 per round trip, (₹500 per seat). The airline company continued its operations, though the agreement expired in August 2025, as it had confidence in the route.

However, in March 2026, Indigo conveyed its decision to suspend its Bengaluru-Shivamogga service from May, citing operational pressures arising from the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), notified by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). 

12/04/2026 The Hindu

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Flyers Troubled at Ahmedabad Airport Amid SpiceJet Flight Delays

Ahmedabad: Passengers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the city have faced major inconvenience today after multiple delays of SpiceJet flights disrupted travel schedules, leading to chaos at the terminal and protests by stranded travellers.

Several passengers, who were booked on SpiceJet flights, raised slogans against airline authorities, alleging poor coordination and a lack of timely and accurate communication regarding flight timings. Many reported being left waiting for hours without clear updates.

According to airport data, at least five to six SpiceJet flight arrivals have been delayed through the day. The Chennai flight (SG 458) has been delayed and is now expected to arrive at 1:10 am instead of 10:20 pm.

The Mumbai flight (SG 1078) will also reach late at 6:14 pm instead of 5:35 pm, while the Bengaluru flight (SG 764), set to land at 11:45 am, is delayed by a few hours and will arrive at 3:25 pm. Some earlier morning flights from Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata also arrived late. However, as of now, late-night flights from New Delhi, Varanasi and Bengaluru are set to arrive as scheduled.

Among departures, the Ahmedabad–Kolkata flight (SG 441), originally scheduled for 7:35 pm, has been delayed by nearly four hours to 11:30 pm. A Bengaluru-bound flight (SG 465) has also been delayed by approximately 2.5 hours, departing at 7:30 pm instead of 4:45 pm. The Ahmedabad–Mumbai morning service (SG 1077), scheduled at 9:55 am, eventually took off at 11:43 am.

11/04/2026 DeshGujarat

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App-Based cabbies threaten to stop airport service from Apr 14

Nagpur: Travellers flying from and landing at the city airport are likely to face a lot of inconvenience as a union of app-based taxi drivers has threatened to withdraw services from April 14. The union also plans to block entry of other cabs in the airport premises, a move that could leave passengers stranded and trigger on-ground confrontations.

The protest, called by the Taxi Vahan Chalak Malak Sanyukt Kruti Samiti, will begin on April 14 and continue indefinitely. While the suspension of app-based services itself is expected to inconvenience travellers, the union's decision to prevent other taxis from entering the airport has raised serious concerns of on-ground friction.

Passengers may be forced to get off outside the airport and walk in with luggage, as cabs will be stopped from entering the premises. Union president Deepak Sane told TOI that around 150 app-based taxi drivers operate at the airport daily. "No app-based driver will operate at the airport. We will also not accept trips to and from the airport through apps," he said.

Sane confirmed that office-bearers will be stationed on all four approach roads to the airport to ensure compliance. "If any driver is seen going inside, we will peacefully request them not to enter," he said, adding that a written intimation has been given to the police.

12/04/2026 Viraj Deshpande/Times of India

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Vijayawada airport seeks DGCA approval for new ATC tower operations

Vijayawada: Following the successful trial run of the newly constructed Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at Vijayawada Airport, officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at the airport have written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking the requisite permissions to commence regular operations from the new ATC tower. To improve flight operational efficiency, the AAI has constructed the new ATC tower at cost of Rs 90 crore at Vijayawada airport.

For nearly one month, the Vijayawada airport authorities carried out a trial run at the newly constructed ATC tower, along with the existing ATC tower, simultaneously managing the flight traffic at the airport from both the new and old towers.

"We have successfully conducted live air traffic management from the new ATC tower for the last 30 days. Based on successful trials, the ATC officials at the airport have written to DGCA, seeking its approval for shifting the ATC operations to the new tower," Vijayawada Airport ATC assistant general manager Vamsi Krishna told STOI, confirming that they have sought the DGCA's permission.

11/04/2026 Times of India

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Delhi's main airport releases footage of aggressive stray dog incidents

Delhi's main airport just dropped recorded footage showing recent dog bite incidents on its premises.

Airport officials are urging everyone to steer clear of stray dogs, since some have been acting aggressively.

They say passenger safety is a top priority and they are teaming up with authorities to find a long-term fix.

12/04/2026 NewsBytes

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Mohali’s absconding accused arrested from Mumbai airport while fleeing to Thailand

Police arrested an absconding accused in a 2025 robbery and assault case from Mumbai Airport. Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Mohali, was booked for a long time in a robbery and assault case registered at Sector 14, here, due to which a Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him.

According to reports, the accused was attempting to flee abroad (Thailand) by boarding a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, when he was intercepted and apprehended by the Immigration Department.

Upon receiving the information, a team from Panchkula police arrived in Mumbai and arrested him.

According to the case, the accused, along with his accomplices, assaulted a youth and his friends in Rajiv Colony, here, on January 14, 2025 and took away approximately Rs 1,20,600 and other items. 

11/04/2026 Gaurav Kanthwal/Tribune

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Why Sachin Tendulkar Can Skip Metal Detector Checks At Indian Airports?

A video showed Sachin Tendulkar passing through an Indian airport without going through the usual metal detector, which left people buzzing online. Fans were quick to wonder how someone with such a strong track record could get special treatment. The rule allows top national figures, mainly those awarded Bharat Ratna, to skip standard security checks under BCAS protocols. That said, there's no need for him to wait in line.

He walks right past the detectors instead. A team from the central Industrial Security Force stands by to handle crowds and protect him during transit. As it happens, this isn't just about convenience, and it's part of the formal recognition given to select individuals in India.

The exemption from regular airport screening is not a random celebrity privilege but a strictly documented legal protocol. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security maintains a highly specific list of distinguished individuals who are entirely excused from pre-flight security checks at all airports within the country. Because Sachin Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna, which stands as the highest civilian award in India, he rightfully holds a permanent place on this exclusive list.

The aviation security rules clearly mandate that such esteemed personalities do not have to undergo standard physical frisking or walk through conventional metal detectors. This prestigious privilege is accorded to respect his monumental contributions to the nation and to facilitate his smooth transit through highly populated travel hubs.

For Sachin Tendulkar, this protocol ensures his airport travel remains completely uninterrupted and officially sanctioned by the national security apparatus alongside other dignitaries like the President and the Prime Minister.

11/04/2026 Sunday Guardian

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