Air India unveils first retrofitted Dreamliner

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

The aircraft, which received comprehensive interior upgrades at Boeing’s Modification Center in Victorville, California, was subsequently painted in Air India’s striking new livery at AeroPro, an FAA Part-145 certified aircraft paint facility in San Bernardino, California.

As part of the retrofit, the aircraft interiors were completely reconfigured, transforming it from a two-class layout previously to a modern three-class configuration now with the installation of brand-new seats and inflight entertainment (IFE) system, and bringing the aircraft in line with Air India’s latest widebody product standards, as seen on its new bespoke Boeing 787-9 inducted in January 2026.

The first B787 took close to 12,825 manhours over 45 days for the retrofit, as teams progressed through a tightly choreographed workflow - from stripping out the legacy interiors to reconfiguring the cabins, installing new seats, carpets, wall laminates, overhauling galleys, lavatories, and rigorously testing the new seating and cabin components.

Refurbishing the first aircraft required a total of:

• 475 metres of fabric for new seats across cabins
• 167 metres of synthetic leather
• 169 metres of carpet
• 646 litres of paint

The aircraft exterior received a complete makeover as well, with a 20‑member specialist team dedicating over 5,700 hours over 18 days to strip the old livery and meticulously apply the new Air India colours. 

These custom-styled cabins now feature:  

• 20 luxurious private suites in Business Class in a 1-2-1 layout, each offering privacy sliding doors, direct aisle access, 42-inch of pitch, fully flat 79‑inch bed, 17‑inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, multiple charging options, a softly lit cubby, vanity mirror, headphone hook, and a jaali‑inspired feature lamp.
• 25 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout, each offering enhanced privacy, 38‑inch pitch, 7‑inch recline, 6‑way headrest, calf and leg rest, 13.3‑inch 4K QLED HDR screens, Type A and C fast charging ports, and a bottle holder for added convenience.
• 205 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout, each ergonomically optimised, offering 31/32‑inch pitch, 5‑inch recline, 11.6‑inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, and Type A and C charging ports.

Additional enhancements across cabins encompass new carpets and curtains, new wall laminates, galley overhauls, refresh of all lavatories, replacement or refurbishment of overhead bin panels, installation of a new Cabin Service System, and an updated Crew Application Panel interface.

The cabins feature customised versions of the Elevate Ascent seat in Business Class and RECARO PL3530 and CL3710 seats in Premium Economy and Economy Class, respectively. All seats are equipped with Thales’ state-of-the-art AVANT Up inflight entertainment (IFE) system.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “This is a yet another proud milestone in our transformation journey as we welcome this transformed legacy B787 aircraft as a shining beacon of the new Air India. The retrofit of our first widebody aircraft is a visible symbol of the momentum behind Air India’s transformation. With 25 other 787s undergoing this comprehensive refresh, we are rapidly modernising the backbone of our long‑haul fleet and raising the bar for customers flying between India and the world."

Air India will be retrofitting 25 additional B787 aircraft over the next year, two of which are already undergoing the process, as part of a US$400 million investment to modernise the airline’s legacy fleet. The B787 retrofit programme has been jointly conceptualised and executed with Boeing, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in the aircraft and throughout the process.

Upon full completion of the B787 retrofit program by 2027, Air India aims to significantly upgrade the onboard product and passenger experience on over 300 flights per week to destinations across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. Air India will subsequently retrofit 13 of its legacy B777-300ER aircraft.

This initiative forms a key part of Air India’s broader fleet modernisation efforts, delivering elevated comfort, privacy, and entertainment options while reinforcing the airline’s position as a premium global carrier.

19/04/2026 Air India

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Turkish Airlines India menu update for onboard dining

Turkish Airlines has updated its Economy Class catering on routes to and from India, introducing menus developed with chefs specialising in regional cuisine. The changes have been in effect since 1 February 2026 on flights connecting Istanbul with Mumbai and New Delhi.

The revised menus are designed to reflect local taste preferences while maintaining consistency across the airline’s onboard service.

Outbound flights from India now include breakfast options such as omelette with tandoori paneer, chana masala with poori and banana pancakes. These are served alongside items such as yoghurt with honey, cheeses, olives, fresh vegetables and a selection of breads.

Inbound flights offer meal options including butter chicken with basmati rice, dal makhani with spiced vegetables and pasta dishes, accompanied by salads, desserts and bread selections.

Alongside the menu update, the airline has expanded its Stopover in Istanbul programme, allowing eligible passengers to stay in the city before continuing their journey. Economy passengers can receive a one-night stay in a four-star hotel, while Business Class passengers can stay for two nights in a five-star hotel.

19/04/2026 Priyal Dutta/Safari India

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How AAI is tackling fog disruptions and passenger delays

India’s northern region has emerged as a major pillar of the country’s aviation ecosystem, handling a significant share of both aircraft and passenger traffic.

According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages 137 airports including 24 international ones, the region accounts for more than a quarter of flight movements and nearly one-third of passengers.

“I think the northern region is contributing more than 25 per cent of the air traffic. As of now... in terms of aircraft movements, it's maybe around 26 per cent. But if you go with the passenger traffic, it will be around 30 per cent,” said Ajay Kumar Kapur.

At the centre of this network is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which remains the busiest aviation hub in the region and handles a substantial portion of this traffic.

Despite strong growth, weather—particularly winter fog—continues to disrupt operations in North India.

“I think the most affected are the early mornings when there is more fog. That time most of the delays happen,” Kapur said.

Low visibility during dense fog leads to delays, flight diversions, and congestion at terminals, especially during peak winter months. While advanced systems are in place, their effectiveness has limits.

18/04/2026 Open

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North India handles 30% of air passenger traffic; fog remains key challenge, expansion underway: AAI official

New Delhi: The Airports Authority of India manages 137 airports, which includes 24 International Airports and also provides Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS) over entire the Indian Air Space. One of its key regions is the Northern Region.

Ajay Kumar Kapur, Regional Executive Director (Northern Region), Airports Authority of India says the northern region accounts for a significant share of India's aviation traffic, contributing over a quarter of aircraft movements and nearly one-third of passenger traffic.

"I think the northern region is contributing more than 25 per cent of the air traffic. As of now... in terms of aircraft movements, it's maybe around 26 per cent. But if you go with the passenger traffic, it will be around 30 per cent," Kapur told ANI, highlighting the region's growing role in the country's aviation ecosystem.

He noted that Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport remains the busiest hub in the region, handling a major share of this traffic.

Talking about the key challenges for the northern region, Kapur said winter fog continues to be the biggest operational hurdle, especially in the early morning hours. "I think the most affected are the early mornings when there is more fog. That time most of the delays happen," he said, adding that low visibility often leads to flight delays, cancellations, and congestion at terminals.

18/04/2026 ANI/Economic Times

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Warangal airport foundation stone to be laid soon: Telangana minister

Hyderabad: Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Saturday said the state government would soon lay the foundation stone for the proposed airport at Warangal.

Reddy, who held a meeting with officials of the Airports Authority of India and others regarding the three new airports proposed in the state, said the government has already handed over 953 acres of land to the Centre for the Warangal airport project.

He said the airport at Adilabad would be developed jointly by the Defence Ministry, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Telangana government.

He added that a master plan for the development of the Adilabad airport would be prepared soon. The government is also taking steps for land acquisition for the project, according to a press release.

18/04/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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Why IAF shut down flight operations at Pune airport for 11 hours

Scores of night flights came to a grinding halt at Pune airport on late Friday (April 17). The flight operations at the city airport have now been resumed, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said.

“The runway at Pune Airport, which was temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an Indian Air Force aircraft, has now been restored and declared operational. All necessary safety inspections and clearances have been completed. Operations are resuming in a phased manner,” IAF’s statement noted.

The Pune airport’s runway was shut for landings and take-offs following an incident involving an IAF aircraft. According to Defence sources, the incident involved a Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft; however, the IAF did not confirm the aircraft’s type, Times of India (TOI) reported.

The fighter aircraft reportedly experienced a hard landing, which led to an over 11-hour suspension of services and flight disruptions.

The disruption began at 10:25 pm on April 17. IAF confirmed in a statement that the situation occurred during a routine night flying sortie, and assured the safety of aircrew members involved.

The fighter aircraft experienced an undercarriage failure.

Undercarriage failure refers to a malfunction or damage to a plane’s landing gear, the structural assembly beneath the aircraft used for takeoff and landing.

The aircraft experienced a landing gear failure upon touchdown, resulting in a “hard landing” and leaving the aircraft stranded on the runway. The hard landing reportedly caused potential damage to the runway surface, leading to its closure.

A minor fire erupted but was swiftly brought under control, with all crew members safe. The closure of the runway led to a temporary halt in operations at Pune Airport, Hindustan Times (HT) reported.

18/04/2026 First Post

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IAF orders court of inquiry into Sukhoi hard landing at Pune airport

New Delhi/Pune: IAF ordered Saturday a court of inquiry into a hard landing by a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet in Pune, as flight operations at the civil-military airport resumed after an overnight shutdown of nearly 10 hours.

IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh confirmed the probe. He also said: “Work was done at a war footing last night to remove the aircraft from the runway and make the runway operational. Airport operations started this morning.”

Senior officers said investigators will examine multiple factors, including aircraft’s vertical speed at touchdown and pilots’ response. “Usually, multiple factors are responsible for a heavy landing of any fighter jet.

The technical team will examine each system thoroughly to identify any technical error.

19/04/2026 Times of India

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DRI seizes 1.9kg crystal meth from flyer at Kozhikode airport

Kochi: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Friday apprehended a Malappuram native passenger, who had arrived at Calicut International Airport from Muscat, Oman, with two packets of crystal methamphetamine.

According to an official statement, the officers of DRI Cochin zonal unit's Calicut regional unit and Kannur regional unit acted on specific intelligence and intercepted the passenger. They recovered a total of two packets of crystal methamphetamine, weighing 1,974 grams.

The narcotic substance, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 1.58 crore in the illicit international market, was found to have been concealed in the passenger's checked-in baggage in food packets. The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act. 

19/04/2026 Times of India

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Man who evaded court despite 35 warrants arrested at Mangaluru airport

Mangaluru: An accused against whom 35 arrest warrants had been issued for failing to appear before the court was arrested at Mangaluru International Airport upon his arrival from abroad.

According to police from Vittal Police Station, the accused, identified as Abbas G, a resident of Peruvai in Bantwal, was involved a case registered under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting with deadly weapons), 504 (provoke with intention of breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt using weapons), and 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) read with 149 of the Indian Penal Code.

Abbas had repeatedly failed to appear before the court for trial and had been absconding abroad for a prolonged period.

Acting on information about his return to India, officials of the Immigration assisted the police in tracking his arrival.

18/04/2026 Naina JA/Deccan Herald

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'No bindi, no sindoor’: After Lenskart, Air India faces backlash over cabin crew handbook, airline responds

A few days after Peyush Bansal-owned Lenskart faced massive outrage on social media for its 'outdated' policy banning bindis and sindoor, Air India has now found itself at the centre of a similar controversy. Yes, you read it right! Several users on X shared posts about alleged Air India guidelines titled 'Important Considerations,' which are doing the rounds on the internet. A huge section of netizens also slammed Air India over its connection with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which made headlines recently over serious allegations of sexual harassment and religious conversions at its Nashik branch. Both Air India and TCS come under the umbrella of a popular corporate group, Tata.

A X user shared Air India's cabin crew handbooks, wherein things like wedding choora, mangalsutra, teeka, and sindoor are not permitted for its employees. ''It appears that this problem runs much deeper. Here are some pictures from the Air India Cabin Crew Handbook. Bindi, Sindoor, Tilak, etc., are not allowed. Why are they doing this so blatantly?'' the user wrote in his X post.

In its defence, Air India's spokesperson told DNA India, ''Air India would like to clarify that its employees have the choice to wear bindi. The images being circulated online are from an older manual that is no longer in use."

18/04/2026 Aseem Sharma/DNA

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Delhi-bound flights diverted to Amritsar after heavy rain, poor visibility; several issue Mayday calls

Several domestic flights bound for Delhi were diverted to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), late Friday night, after heavy rain and poor visibility disrupted operations in the national capital, triggering a cascading impact across multiple airports.

According to officials, adverse weather conditions in Delhi NCR, including intense rainfall and low visibility, severely affected flight movements at Indira Gandhi International Airport, forcing diversions and delays.

Airport sources said flights were initially diverted to Jaipur, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. However, after parking bays at these airports were exhausted, further diversions were redirected to Amritsar after 11:30 pm.

In total, 10 flights, including one diversion shortly before midnight the previous day, were rerouted from Delhi to Amritsar. These included five IndiGo flights (from Kolkata, Jammu, Guwahati, Udaipur and Patna), three Air India flights (from Bengaluru, Mumbai and Raipur), and one SpiceJet flight from Mumbai.

Sources revealed that several of the diverted aircraft were critically low on fuel and issued "Mayday" calls before landing, highlighting the severity of the situation.

18/04/2026 Charnjit Singh Teja/Tribune

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FLY91 Launches New Routes Linking Solapur, Hubballi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru

Panaji: Regional airline FLY91 has expanded its network footprint with the launch of operations to Hubballi on April 17, marking another milestone in the airline’s growth journey.

The arrival was commemorated with a ceremonial water cannon salute, as FLY91 simultaneously flagged off three new regional routes to strengthen connectivity across key corridors.

As part of this expansion, FLY91 has commenced services on three sectors – Solapur–Hyderabad, Hubballi–Hyderabad, and Hubballi–Bengaluru – enhancing accessibility between important tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

The airline has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Solapur sector by increasing the frequency of its Goa–Solapur route, responding to rising passenger demand for reliable and convenient travel options.

Hubballi, a major trade,  education, and industrial hub in North Karnataka, plays a pivotal role in regional economic development. With improved air connectivity through FLY91, the city is expected to benefit from stronger business travel links, enhanced educational access, and improved industrial connectivity.

17/04/2026 Salil Urunkar/Sahyadri Startups

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Akasa Air forays into Vietnam; adds Hanoi as the seventh international destination

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced the addition of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, as the seventh international destination to its network. Starting 4th September 2026, the airline will operate four weekly direct flights connecting Mumbai and Hanoi. The launch marks Akasa’s strategic expansion into Southeast Asia, strengthening connectivity across the region’s most vibrant travel and trade corridors. Bookings for flights are now open on Akasa Air’s website www.akasaair.com, Android and iOS app and through multiple leading OTAs.

Renowned for its centuries-old heritage, distinctive architecture, and celebrated culinary traditions, Hanoi has steadily emerged as a favoured destination among Indian travellers. The introduction of direct connectivity will support the travel momentum and the expanding economic and cultural exchange between India and Vietnam.

Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, added “The launch of direct flights to Hanoi strengthens our presence in South Asia and marks another step in our effort to build a network that connects India with dynamic global destinations. Vietnam has emerged as one of the most attractive short-haul destinations for Indian travellers, known for its accessibility, vibrant tourism offerings, and rich cultural heritage. We are confident that travellers will appreciate the enhanced connectivity, backed with the reliable and warm service that defines the Akasa experience.”

With this addition, Akasa Air continues to enhance travel options for Indian travellers while offering a seamless and dependable gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling capitals.

17/04/2026 Ajit Kumar Sigh/Voice of Chandigarh

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SpiceJet preparing for layoffs as financial troubles intensify: Report

India’s low-cost carrier SpiceJet is once again grappling with a severe financial crunch, prompting speculation it may cut more jobs, even as salaries are delayed and the carrier seeks an urgent infusion of fresh capital to sustain operations, The Economic Times reported Saturday.

 The airline’s troubles come at a time when aviation fuel costs remain volatile. Chairman Ajay Singh recently acknowledged government support in moderating steep hikes in jet fuel prices, but the relief appears insufficient to offset the carrier’s deeper financial troubles. Unlike rivals IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air, which are backed by strong balance sheets or large conglomerates, SpiceJet continues to grapple with limited liquidity and operational constraints.

18/04/2026 Apexa Rai/Business Standard

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Bokaro Airport Project Gets Boost: AAI Inspection Concludes, Fast-Tracking Underway

Bokaro: Deputy commissioner (DC) Ajay Nath Jha has asked Airports Authority of India (AAI) to fast-track Bokaro airport project as the 48-hour inspection by AAI team concluded on Thursday. The team also met with the DC to apprise them of their findings.

The team, led by AGM (CNS) Dilip Kumar Sinha, reviewed infrastructure, safety, emergency systems, communication facilities, and environmental conditions.

Officials said that most requirements identified by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security have been nearly addressed, and clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is awaited. Jha has asked officials to expedite coordination and appointed additional collector Mumtaz Ansari as nodal officer to fast-track processes.

17/04/2026 Divy Khara/Times of India

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Adilabad airport plan reworked to 1,500 acres

Adilabad: Plans for a long-anticipated airport in Adilabad are gathering momentum, with a joint field survey by officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the state government laying the groundwork for what is now envisioned as a full-fledged aviation hub.

The proposed Adilabad airport is being developed as a joint-user facility, bringing together civil aviation and defence operations in a single space. Beyond passenger services, the project is expected to accommodate cargo movement as well as IAF training activities, expanding its role from a regional airstrip to a multi-functional aviation centre.

During the survey, a team led by P Sebharwal, S G Hegde, R Shukla and others examined the existing aerodrome and surrounding areas. Bangariguda, Nishanghat, Anukunta and the defunct Cement Corporation of India (CCI) lands were inspected using revenue maps.

The exercise focused on rerouting water bodies and internal roads, relocating habitations and power lines, and assessing approach roads, all crucial to the project’s feasibility.

18/04/2026 New Indian Express

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Delhi weather disrupts flight schedules, IndiGo issues travel advisory amid delays

Bad weather over Delhi has disrupted flight operations, with IndiGo issuing a travel advisory warning passengers of delays and schedule changes.

In a post on X, IndiGo said flight schedules have been impacted due to adverse weather conditions over the national capital and that it is closely monitoring the situation to minimise inconvenience.

“We are doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly,” the airline said, adding that passengers should check flight status updates via its website or mobile app.

The airline assured travellers that its teams are assisting affected passengers and said it expects a return to normal operations once weather conditions improve.

17/04/2026 Economic Times

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Why are Indian airports seeing frequent wing clip incidents

New Delhi: Wings of an Akasa aircraft was about to take-off and a taxiing SpiceJet aircraft collided at the Delhi airport on Thursday. Initial reports suggested that SpiceJet pilots executed a turn without wing walker clearance from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) officer. The Directorate General of Civil aviation (DGCA) has ordered that the pilots of the SpiceJet aircraft and the ATC officer concerned be taken off duty till an inquiry is conducted.

This has brought similar incidents in the past two months into the spotlight, highlighting concerns about aviation safety standards at airports.

A major disaster was averted at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on February 3 after the wing tips of two aircraft were involved in a ground collision. In this case, it was an Air India flight pushing back for its departure to Coimbatore and an IndiGo flight taxiing after arriving from Hyderabad. Earlier this month, an IndiGo aircraft was hit by an unmanned catering truck at Kolkata airport.

These incidents have raised questions about safety standards at Indian airports, highlighting the need for immediate attention. 

A Parliamentary Standing Committee report on review of safety in civil aviation tabled in 2025 said that AIRPROX (aircraft proximity) rates exceeded the acceptable benchmark, further reinforcing the conclusion that systemic issues related to airspace management, standard operating procedures, and pilot-controller communication are not being adequately resolved by the DGCA. The aviation regulator has set up an Occurrence Review Board (ORB) to look into such incidents.

Runway incursions by aircraft were recorded at a rate of 14.12 per million movements, significantly exceeding the established target of 9.78 in 2024. Similarly, incursions attributed to a loss of situational awareness stood at 5.91 per million movements, against a target of 4.54. These are high-consequence events that pose a direct risk of collision on the ground.

The persistence of high runway incursion and AIRPROX rates indicates that the mitigation and prevention phases of the safety management cycle are broken.

 17/04/2026 Richa Sharma/Business Today

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SpiceJet-Akasa Air collision: Why tarmac mishaps are more hazardous than you think

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is probing the April 16 ground collision at Delhi airport between a SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 and Akasa Air Boeing 737. Both aircraft suffered damage, forcing suspension of Akasa’s Delhi-Hyderabad flight.

A DGCA statement elaborated that the winglet of SpiceJet aircraft VT-SLB, operating Flight SG-124 from Leh to New Delhi, was taxiing to its parking bay at Terminal 1 when it collided with the horizontal tail surface of the Akasa aircraft stationed on the apron after its pushback for service to Hyderabad. Initial investigations found the right-hand winglet of the SpiceJet plane and the tail horizontal stabiliser of the Akasa aircraft had been affected, said the statement.

17/04/2026 Avishek G. Dastidar/India Today

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India Plans Rs 4,000 Cr Credit Lifeline For Airlines

India is preparing to roll out an emergency credit support package of around Rs 4,000 crore for domestic airlines, in a rare intervention aimed at easing financial stress caused by operational disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions in Iran and rising aviation fuel costs.

According to media reports, the proposed scheme will allow the government to extend sovereign guarantees for loans of up to Rs 1,000 crore per airline. Carriers may also be eligible for an additional Rs 500 crore in borrowing, provided promoters infuse an equivalent amount into their respective companies.

Officials indicated that the sovereign guarantee framework is intended to act as a facilitator rather than a direct lending mechanism, with financial institutions retaining full authority over credit decisions. “Lenders will do their own due diligence before providing the loan,” an official familiar with the discussions was quoted as saying.

The move forms part of a broader plan by the finance ministry to extend credit guarantees on loans worth USD 26.7 billion, targeting sectors impacted by global volatility, including smaller businesses affected by geopolitical disruptions.

15/04/2026 Business World 

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Pune Airport runway restored, ops resume after IAF incident: MoS Mohol

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Saturday announced that the runway repair work at Pune Airport had been completed on a war footing after an incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft temporarily disrupted operations.

In a post on X, Mohol said safety remained the top priority during restoration work and confirmed that departure operations resumed from 7:30 am, while arrival operations restarted from 8:00 am. He added that air traffic in Pune is expected to gradually return to normal over the course of the day.

"The runway at Pune Airport was temporarily unavailable following an incident involving an IAF aircraft. Runway repair work has since been completed on a war footing, with safety maintained as the top priority throughout. Departure operations will resume from 07:30 AM, and arrival operations will commence from 08:00 AM. Air traffic in Pune is expected to gradually return to normal over the course of the day," Mohol posted.

Earlier on Friday, the IAF said the runway had become temporarily unavailable following the aircraft-related incident, but confirmed that the aircrew were safe and there was no damage to civil property.

18/04/2026 PTI/Business Standard

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Pune Airport Runway Briefly Shut After Air Force Aircraft's 'Hard Landing'

Flight operations at the Pune Airport resumed this morning after an overnight suspension triggered following an incident involving Indian Air Force's aircraft.

After ensuring all safety protocols, departure flights resumed from 7:30 am today, while arrival operations recommenced from 8:00 am, officials said.

According to the authorities at the Pune International Airport, at about 2225 hrs, a fighter aircraft experienced an undercarriage failure during landing, resulting in blockage of the runway.

"As per IAF ATC, it will take 4–5 hours to clear the runway and restore normal operations," they said.

Union Minister of State for Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the suspension of runway operations at the airport.

"Thankfully, the aircrew are safe and there has been no damage to civil property. Airlines have been informed, and it may take approximately 5 hours to restore normal runway operations," Mohol said in a post on X.

"I am in constant touch with the Airport Director and Air Force officials to ensure the situation is resolved at the earliest," he said.

The Indian Air Force had earlier stated that the runway at Pune airport was temporarily unavailable following the incident involving one of its aircraft, adding that restoration efforts were already underway.

"Pune runway is temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an IAF aircraft. The aircrew are safe and there is no damage to civil property," the IAF said on social media.

"Efforts are underway to operationalise the runway and resume normal operations at the earliest," it said.

18/04/2026 PTI/NDTV

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Pune airport reopens after IAF aircraft 'hard landing' incident; flight operations resume

Flight operations at Pune Airport resumed on Saturday morning after authorities restored the runway that had been shut following an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft incident late Friday night.

In a statement on X, Pune Airport said repairs were completed on priority with safety checks in place. Departures restarted from 7:30 am, while arrivals resumed from 8:00 am, with operations expected to normalise through the day.

The disruption was triggered after an IAF aircraft encountered a technical issue during landing, leading to a temporary runway closure. The IAF had earlier said the runway was “temporarily unavailable” due to the incident but confirmed that the aircrew were safe and there was no damage to civil property.

18/04/2026 Economic Times

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