DGCA Grants Licence To Country's First Seaplane Airline Company; Operations To Start From Lakshadweep

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted a licence to aviation company SkyHop Aviation to operate commercial seaplane services in the country.

Avani Singh, founder and chief executive of the company, announced the same in a LinkedIn post on Monday. This makes SkyHop Aviation India’s first dedicated company providing seaplane services.

“Proud to receive our Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with the support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA. The result of tremendous hard work from our team at SkyHop Aviation Private Limited over the past year. We cannot wait to fly the people of India, and beyond!,” Singh said in her LinkedIn post.

Singh is the daughter of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh. To start with, her company is planning to provide seaplane services in five islands in Lakshadweep, connecting them with each other.

Operations will begin with a 19-seater aircraft. The company has converted an aircraft of a non-operational airline into a seaplane by fixing floats to it.

SkyHop is also exploring other similar opportunities across the country.

Earlier in April, the company had successfully conducted a test flight in Rishikesh. The flight took off and landed at the Ganga Barrage on April 6.

27/04/2026 Rakshit Kumar/Free Press Journal

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Is seaplane travel set to begin in India? This aviation company receives DGCA approval

A new chapter is about to begin in India's aviation sector as seaplane-based travel is set to be introduced in the country soon. To pave the way for commercial operations on the waterway, Skyhop Aviation has received an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

With this approval, the company is preparing to launch India's first dedicated commercial seaplane service. It is expected that this will mark a significant shift towards water aerodrome-based connectivity in the country.

First phase to begin in Lakshadweep, five islands to be linked

Operations will begin in Lakshadweep, with the first phase connecting five islands. A link with the mainland is also part of the rollout plan. The service will use a 19-seater aircraft designed for short-haul water operations.

Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation, said the AOC marks a key step forward for the company. It gives us the foundation to move forward with confidence, she said, adding that the company is grateful to the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for their guidance and support through the approval process.

An Air Operator Certificate is the regulator’s clearance that allows an operator to begin commercial flight services. It confirms that the DGCA has reviewed and approved safety systems, operational procedures, training standards and technical readiness.

SkyHop Aviation is positioning itself as a seaplane-focused operator aimed at improving connectivity across islands, coastal regions and other locations where airport infrastructure is limited or difficult to build.

The company expects seaplanes to cut travel time and improve access, particularly in tourism-driven destinations, while also creating new regional routes.

While Lakshadweep will be the starting point, the company is also looking at possible expansion to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Kerala’s backwaters, coastal Gujarat, parts of the Northeast, and select inland water bodies. Any expansion, however, will depend on regulatory approvals, environmental clearances and safety requirements.

27/04/2026 ZeeBiz

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Air India, IndiGo plan to resume Qatar flights as Gulf airspace situation improves; IndiGo shares face pressure

As the overall flight situation in the Gulf region continues to improve, Air India and IndiGo are also planning to resume flight operations from Qatar to India soon, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday.

With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is already operating flights to various destinations in India, according to a statement issued by the MEA.

Additional flights are now operating from the Middle East, with around 105 flights expected on Monday between the UAE and India as airlines continue to operate limited commercial services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi based on operational and safety considerations.

Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. Kuwait airspace is also open, with Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways resuming limited operations to India. Bahrain airspace is open as well, with Gulf Air operating flights to multiple Indian destinations.

Besides, Iraq's airspace is open with limited flight operations that can be used for onward travel to India.

Iran's airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights, but Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to Iran, and those already there are urged to leave via land routes with embassy support, the MEA said. So far, the Indian embassy in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,445 Indian nationals through land border routes.

Israel's airspace is also open, with limited flight operations resuming to regional destinations that can be used for travel to India.

28/04/2026 International Business Times

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Star Air plans 50-aircraft scale up in next 5 years; aims to become the largest regional player

Backed by a 32-destination network, recent new weekly flights, 55% revenue growth and plans to induct six aircraft this year, Star Air is accelerating expansion in unserved markets while evaluating larger 100+ seater jets in longer term to up the regional game.

India’s aviation growth has historically been concentrated on trunk routes, but these markets somehow are now nearing saturation, with intense competition and pricing pressure. In contrast, many of the tier II and III cities, home to a large share of India’s population, remain under-served. It is here where the regional airline like Star Air is carving a niche: deepening connectivity in these underserved and unserved markets. 

With a reported 55% jump in revenue in 2025 and plans to expand its fleet manifolds over the next five years, the airline is positioning regional aviation as a serious growth engine, not a peripheral play, says Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Star Air, in her conversation with T3. 

“We wanted to grow in segments where others have not ventured… our focus is to connect the real India,” Bhatia said. 

Since its inception in 2019, Star Air, an aviation arm of Sanjay Ghodawat Group, has deliberately avoided the overcrowded metro routes, instead focusing on building connectivity across tier II and III cities. At a time when India’s aviation landscape is dominated by narrow-body expansion and international ambitions, this regional-first approach stands out, as per Bhatia. 

27/04/2026 TravelTrendsToday

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IndiGo warns of Delhi flight delays amid thunderstorms, issues key advisory

IndiGo on Monday issued a travel advisory for Delhi airport passengers, warning that thundershowers could impact flight operations.

"With thunderstorms expected to pass over Delhi, departures and arrivals may be impacted. While our teams are preparing well in advance to keep things running smoothly, the weather may slow things down a touch," said the low-cost airline in a post on social media platform X.

"If you're travelling today, we recommend checking your flight status on our website or app before heading out through https://bit.ly/4bCoWYk. Please also allow for some extra travel time as road traffic may also be affected."

A yellow alert has been issued for the national capital for rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds from Monday to Thursday. This comes as the city faces an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 42.3 degrees Celsius.

27/04/2026 Economic Times

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India’s Green Aviation Leap: Ethanol Blending Allowed In Jet Fuel To Slash Crude Imports By 2027

In a historic move, the Indian government has amended the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Regulation Order, 2026, allowing the blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons with jet fuel for the first time in 25 years. This policy shift aims to slash carbon emissions and reduce India's 85% dependence on crude oil imports. While traditional ATF is refined from crude, the new "Synthetic Hydrocarbons" (SAF) are derived from renewable feedstocks like agricultural waste and fats. India has set a roadmap to introduce 1% SAF blending for international flights by 2027, scaling to 5% by 2030, aligning with ICAO’s global green aviation goals.

27/04/2026 Business Today

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Delhi Airport Issues Advisory, Warns of Flight Disruptions Amid Thunderstorms

Amid inclement weather conditions across North India, airport authorities have said operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport remain normal, though some flight schedules may be impacted due to adverse conditions. Citing the forecast by the India Meteorological Department, officials said thundershowers in the region could lead to delays in departures and arrivals. Ground teams are working closely with stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption and a smooth travel experience for passengers.

"As per the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast, North India is experiencing inclement weather conditions. Delhi Airport operation remains normal however some flight schedules may be impacted," the Delhi airport said. 

Travellers have been advised to plan their commute in advance and consider alternative transport options to reach the airport. Authorities recommended using the Delhi Metro, with the Magenta Line connecting to Terminal 1 and the Airport Express Line serving Terminals 2 and 3, to avoid possible traffic delays caused by weather conditions.

Meanwhile, airline IndiGo has also issued a travel advisory, warning that flights to and from Delhi could be affected. The airline urged passengers to check their flight status via its website or app before leaving for the airport and to allow extra travel time.

27/04/2026 Sneha/ABP Live

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Coca-Cola India launches digital activation at BLR Airport

 Coca-Cola India has partnered with Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) to introduce an innovative digital activation at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. This initiative, launched on 23 April 2026, allows passengers to receive a complimentary chilled Coca-Cola by enrolling in Pulse, BLR Airport's official app. The activation aims to enhance the travel experience by offering a refreshing moment amidst the journey.

The collaboration between Coca-Cola India, a leading beverage company, and BLR Airport, one of India's fastest-growing airports, is designed to seamlessly integrate digital convenience with refreshment. Passengers can easily participate by scanning a QR code displayed on digital screens within the terminals, enrolling in the app, and redeeming their drink at a dedicated Coke Zone. This approach ensures a frictionless experience for travellers.

Abhishek Gupta, Vice President of Customer Development at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, highlighted the significance of airports as engaging consumer spaces. 

28/04/2026 Travel Daily Media

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Noida airport gets final security clearance, may see flights take off in first week of June

New Delhi: Days after it replaced its expat CEO with an Indian one to overcome a regulatory hurdle, Noida International Airport (NIA) on Monday received its final clearance, allowing preparations to begin for commercial launch.

With Bureau of Civil Aviation Security clearing the aerodrome security programme (ASP), Noida airport’s launch airline partners — IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa — are expected to start selling tickets for domestic flights soon.

The first flight from NIA is likely to take off in the first week of June.

An aviation ministry official said, “First week of June will be an important time for Delhi-NCR’s aerial connectivity. While NIA will start domestic operations, Delhi’s IGI Airport will start its hub-and-spoke operations to enable seamless transfers (like the ones at Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore or Frankfurt) between domestic and international flights.”

This means Delhi’s IGI will set into motion the process of turning into a hub airport for international flyers from different cities, giving them a smoother transit experience that integrates certain processes at the spoke airport with the hub airport.

The double boost for aviation in Delhi-NCR comes at a challenging time for airlines, which are battling cost overruns and a fall in international travel because of the US-Israel war with Iran.

IGI Airport’s international capacity, incidentally, will increase from a little over 2 crore passengers annually to 3.2 crore after the recently converted international pier at Delhi IGIA’s T3 (Pier C) becomes operational next week. In about a month from that, seamless transfers will start and airside transit will also be rolled out between T1 and T3.

So, while India’s busiest airport, IGIA, begins its journey to becoming a hub, NIA will take flight as Delhi’s second international airport.

28/04/2026 Times of India

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Jodhpur airport to resume flight ops from today after month-long runway repairs

Jodhpur: Jodhpur airport will reopen for civil flight operations from Tuesday after remaining closed for nearly a month due to runway repair work. The first flight -- IndiGo service from Bengaluru, is scheduled to arrive at 8:45 am.

Airport director Manoj Uniyal said that connectivity with multiple cities will be restored, allowing passengers to access regular services again.

The airport was shut for commercial flights from March 29 (6:30 pm) to April 27 (6:30 pm) following a Notice to Air Missions issued for runway re-carpeting by the Indian Air Force. During this period, all civil flight operations remained suspended.

The Jodhpur airport is a joint-use facility where both military and civilian aircraft operate on the same runway, making periodic maintenance essential.

28/04/2026 Times of India

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Two held with suspected heroin at Imphal Airport while en route to Bengaluru

 Security forces arrested two individuals at Imphal International Airport on April 27, for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected contraband heroin.

According to official sources, the two passengers, both residents of Mayang Imphal in Imphal West district, were intercepted while preparing to board a flight to Bengaluru. Upon search, security personnel recovered approximately 84 grams of suspected Heroin No. 4 from their possession.

The accused have been identified as Aslam Khan (39), a resident of Bengoon Loubuk Leikai, and Chesam Amir (31) of Phoubakchao Makha Leikai.

Authorities suspect that the duo was involved in trafficking the narcotic substance outside the state.

27/04/2026 India Today NE

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Vivekananda Nayak Appointed as Chief Financial Officer – Designate at GMR Hyderabad Airport

Hyderabad: Vivekananda Nayak has taken on the role of Chief Financial Officer – Designate at GMR Hyderabad Airport, bringing extensive experience across strategic finance, project finance, capital allocation, funding, investor interface, financial governance, private equity engagement, compliance, and infrastructure finance.

In his new role, Vivekananda Nayak will lead the finance function for GMR Hyderabad Airport, driving financial strategy, capital allocation, funding, and investor engagement while ensuring robust governance within a regulatory and concession-led framework. His role will also focus on value creation across a diversified airport platform spanning aero, non-aero, MRO, and commercial land development.

Vivekananda has been associated with GMR Group for nearly two decades, building deep finance leadership experience across infrastructure and strategic finance functions. Before taking on his new role at GMR Hyderabad Airport, he served as Vice President – Strategic Finance at GMR Group, where he worked across strategic finance, equity, project finance, and related business priorities.

Earlier at GMR Group, Vivekananda served as General Manager in a CFO-1 level role. His responsibilities included presenting to the Board of Directors, managing private equity investors, preparing business plans, handling project and working capital funding, engaging with Big Four auditors, ensuring tax, statutory, audit and consolidation compliances, and managing a finance team of more than 20 members.

28/04/2026 Smita Singh/HR Today

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Juhu airport runway faces a cut, minaret stands tall

As a 37-metre-tall minaret of a nearby mosque stands in its way, the Airports Authority of India plans to issue a notice to Juhu airport to shorten its 732-metre runway by 300 metres.

The Airports Authority of India plans to issue a notice to Juhu airport to shorten its runway by 300 metres, which will reduce the 732-metre strip by almost half and jeopardise operations. Sources said at least 40 per cent of operations, mainly by Pawan Hans and ONGC, will be hit.

17/04/2026 Mid Day

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Security Scare at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: Hoax Bomb Threat Defused

An email threatening a bomb attack at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport prompted a significant security response on Monday. The suspicious email led airport authorities to conduct extensive screening measures.

However, investigators later dismissed the threat as a hoax, finding no evidence of danger during comprehensive security checks.

27/04/2026 Devdiscourse

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Jalgaon: New Air Service To Delhi Via Indore From May 2, Trial Run Begins

Jalgaon: After a long wait, a major demand of Jalgaon residents is finally being met, as Alliance Air is set to launch a commercial flight service connecting Jalgaon to New Delhi via Indore from May 2. The service will begin on a trial basis and will continue depending on the response from passengers. District Collector Rohan Ghuge expressed confidence that this new route will strengthen the city’s industrial, commercial, and tourism sectors.

At present, Jalgaon has air connectivity with cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad through airlines like Alliance Air and Fly91. For a long time, residents had been demanding direct air links to Indore, New Delhi, and Jaipur. A large number of traders and business professionals frequently travel to Indore, and this service is expected to benefit them significantly, along with tourists visiting Madhya Pradesh. Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse played an important role in making this service possible.

The Jalgaon–Indore–New Delhi flight will operate on a trial basis from May 2 to May 31. Its continuation will depend on passenger demand. The service is expected to benefit people from Jalgaon, Dhule, and Buldhana districts, as well as parts of the Vidarbha region. 

27/04/2026 Vijay Pathak/Free Press Journal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Shekhar Singh/Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Rohit Vaid/Business Line

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

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

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

277/04/2026 Vihaan Mehta/Whalesbook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Moneycontrol

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DGCA tightens rules for foreign airlines operating in country

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Govt looks at relief measures for airlines as war continues

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Times of India

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Flight grounded at Jaipur airport over tech snag

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Times of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Shekhar Singh/Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Mohd Naushad/Business World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026  Shloka Badkar/CNBC TV18

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

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

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

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

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

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

27/04/2026 Adgully Bureau/ADgully

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

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

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

10/04/2026 Mid Day

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