EU-India free trade agreement can further accelerate cooperation in aviation sector: German Consulate General

Bengaluru: Annett Baessler, deputy consul general of the German Consulate General in Bengaluru, highlighted the potential of the proposed EU–India Free Trade Agreement to significantly boost collaboration in the aviation sector.

Speaking at the 9th International Conference on the Future of Aviation and Aerospace 2026, hosted by IIM Bangalore in partnership with TBS Education, France, she emphasized opportunities in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), workforce development, and deeper sectoral integration, which could create a strong new momentum between India and Europe.

She noted that Europe's highly integrated aviation market gives German and European companies a competitive edge globally. India, currently the fifth-largest aviation market, is expected to become the third-largest within a decade and is emerging as a major manufacturing and design hub. European firms are actively supporting this growth, with Airbus alone holding around 1,250 aircraft orders from Indian clients. Additionally, India's MRO sector is projected to reach $9.5 billion in the coming decade.

Prof S Raghunath, conference chair at IIMB, said, "Our opportunity lies in leading in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), as well as lifecycle intelligence. This is an area where we are more than capable. For decades, we have been the IT backbone of the world. Given that strength, it is not difficult for us to recognise a simple reality: While aircraft sales generate revenue, far greater value lies in keeping those aircraft operational. We already have the technology, the engineering talent, and the skilled workforce needed to capitalise on it."

20/04/2026 Times of India

Read More

India's tourism and hospitality sector faces external shocks due to West Asia conflict; aviation sector most impacted: PHDCCI

PHDCCI released its report, Impact of the West Asia Conflict on Indias Tourism, Aviation & Hospitality Sectors, highlighting significant disruptions across aviation, inbound tourism, hospitality and restaurant segments, even as strong domestic demand continues to support overall sector stability. Indias tourism and hospitality sector, which contributes nearly 8% to GDP and supports over 40 million jobs, is once again facing external shocks due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The report notes that while the sector had witnessed a strong V-shaped recovery in 2025, with branded hotel inventory nearing 200,000 rooms and domestic aviation traffic crossing 5 lakh passengers per day, the West Asia conflict in early 2026 has introduced fresh volatility.

The aviation sector has emerged as the most impacted, with airlines facing flight cancellations, airspace restrictions and significant rerouting of international flights. These disruptions have increased flying time by 24 hours on key routes, leading to a sharp rise in fuel consumption and operating costs. Industry estimates indicate that fuel accounts for 35-40% of airline operating costs and the ongoing situation has further strained airline profitability. The disruption of Middle East air corridors which is among the busiest global transit routes has also reduced connectivity efficiency and increased airfares.

The report highlights a 1520% decline in inbound tourist traffic, particularly in leisure travel, as global travellers adopt a cautious approach amid geopolitical uncertainty. Outbound travel patterns have also shifted, with Indian travellers increasingly preferring short-haul destinations such as Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, while long-haul and transit-dependent routes have seen moderation due to geopolitical risks.

20/04/2026 Business Standard

Read More

Air India pushes agentic AI for next phase of digital growth

Air India is stepping up investments in agentic AI as it moves into the next phase of its digital transformation, with senior executives indicating that automation at scale is beginning to deliver operational and cost benefits.

In an interaction with Fe, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India, Satya Ramaswamy said the airline is deploying over 30 artificial intelligence-led initiatives across customer service, operations and engineering, as it seeks to deepen digital engagement and reduce manual intervention.

“We want to be the world’s most technologically advanced airline,” Ramaswamy said. “Agentic AI is a very transformative shift as it allows machines to integrate with humans, understand context and act autonomously in ways that were not possible earlier.”

The airline’s early AI deployments are already showing measurable outcomes. Its generative AI-powered virtual assistant has handled more than 20 million customer queries so far, with 97% resolved without human intervention. Nearly half of all customer interactions are now managed digitally.

20/04/2026 Akbar Merchant/Financial Express

Read More

4 Hours Of Mid-Air Horror: Flyers Seen Praying, Crying On Fly91 Flight

Bengaluru: The Fly91 Airlines flight IC3401 (ATR turboprop AT7), which flew out of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at around 3 PM yesterday, was scheduled to land in Hubballi at 4:30 PM. However, as the aircraft approached Hubballi, it expereicned bad weather, forcing pilots to abort landing.

The flight remained airborne for nearly four hours, circling over regions including Mundgod, Davanagere, and Shivamogga, as efforts were made to manage the situation and ensure a safe landing.

4 Hours Of Mid-Air Horror: Flyers Seen Praying, Crying On Fly91 FlightThe regional airline maintains that the flight "did not develop any technical snag".

Passengers onboard were gripped with fear, with many praying and breaking down in tears.

The Fly91 Airlines flight IC3401 (ATR turboprop AT7), which flew out of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at around 3 PM yesterday, was scheduled to land in Hubballi at 4:30 PM. However, as the aircraft approached Hubballi, it experienced bad weather, forcing pilots to abort landing.

The flight remained airborne for nearly four hours, circling over regions including Mundgod, Davanagere, and Shivamogga, as efforts were made to manage the situation and ensure a safe landing.

The passengers were heard telling the pilot to go back to Bengaluru.

"Ask the pilot to go to Bengaluru. Or we can go to Belgaum at least," a passenger could be heard saying.

Meanwhile, family members of passengers expressed anger against Fly91 Airlines, alleging a lack of communication and negligence, claiming that no proper updates were provided.

The regional airline maintains that the flight "did not develop any technical snag".  

"The flight IC3401 flying from Hyderabad to Hubballi did not develop any technical snag as is being reported in some sections of the media. The flight departed from Hyderabad at 1500 hours. On nearing Hubballi, the flight encountered bad weather due to which the flight was diverted to Bengaluru as per standard protocol. The flight subsequently returned to Hubballi and back to its home base in Hyderabad," the airline said in a statement. 

20/04/2026 Reethu Rajpurohit/NDTV

Read More

West Asia war triggers fuel spike: Domestic airfares in India likely to climb further

New Delhi: The ongoing conflict in West Asia has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, causing crude oil prices to surge and directly impacting aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs in India. Indian flyers are feeling the pinch as airlines grapple with these escalating expenses, leading to higher surcharges and steadily climbing ticket prices. What started as a hit to international travel is now spilling over into domestic routes, making everyday journeys more expensive for millions of passengers across the country.

As summer travel season approaches,  the pressure is mounting on domestic routes with experts warning of further increases if tensions persist. Travel platforms and industry leaders are already noting shifts in booking patterns and fare structures. This situation underscores how geopolitical events halfway across the world can disrupt travel plans and budgets right here in India, prompting flyers to rethink their strategies.

Global crude oil costs have soared due to the West Asia war, driving up aviation turbine fuel (ATF) expenses which dominate airline operating costs. Platforms like EaseMyTrip note domestic one-way fares up by about Rs 1,500 on average, with international routes facing even steeper jumps of Rs 15,000.

SNVA Traveltech’s Chairman Alok K Singh points out an 8-9 percent fuel cost increase, equating to 20-25 percent overall operational strain. Carriers have introduced surcharges from Rs 200 to Rs 950, and he foresees 5-10 percent fare rises soon if trends hold. So far, domestic airlines have absorbed 8-25 percent of the hike, softening the blow temporarily.

20/04/2026 Ananya Sarma/News Nine

Read More

CBI arrests senior DGCA official, corporate group VP in bribery case

The CBI has arrested a deputy director general of civil aviation and the senior vice president of a major corporate group in a Rs 2.5 lakh bribery case to facilitate the import of drones for another private company, officials said Sunday.

In an operation on Saturday, the CBI arrested M Devula, Deputy Director General at the Airworthiness Directorate, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bharat Mathur, who is also associated with an aerospace company involved in drone technology- Asteria Aerospace Ltd.

The CBI has booked Mathur, Devula and Asteria Aerospace Ltd under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The major corporate group where Mathur was working is not listed as accused in the FIR and is the "ultimate parent company" of Asteria Aerospace, according to Asteria Aerospace's financial statements for 2024-25.

No immediate reaction was available from Asteria Aerospace or the corporate group.

The accused DGCA public servant allegedly demanded undue advantage from private persons in lieu of issuing approvals and permissions for applications pending with DGCA for a private aerospace company, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

"The CBI arrested Deputy Director General at the Airworthiness Directorate, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Headquarters, New Delhi, along with a representative of a private company in a bribery case of Rs 2.5 lakh resulting in the seizure of the entire amount," it said.

The CBI conducted searches at the premises of the accused public servant and other private persons across four locations in Delhi, resulting in the seizure of cash worth Rs 37 lakh along with gold and silver coins and multiple digital devices, the statement added.

19/04/2026 PTI/Business Standard

Read More

H-1B fears rise as pilot training debate intensifies

A viral social media post has ignited concern across the Indian American community, focusing on private-plane pilots, amplifying anxieties around immigration policy, and thrusting the U.S. aviation training sector into an unexpected spotlight.

The post, widely circulated on X, drew backlash for remarks that many users described as inflammatory and misleading. Critics said the rhetoric unfairly targeted Indian professionals and students, escalating tensions at a time when immigration debates are already deeply polarized.

Much of the concern centers on the H-1B visa program, a critical pathway for highly skilled workers, many of whom come from India. The technology and healthcare sectors depend heavily on these professionals, but observers claim the current climate of uncertainty is spreading into adjacent industries, including aviation.

In particular, the post’s references to private pilot courses have sparked alarm among international students and flight schools alike. The United States has long been a global hub for aviation training, attracting thousands of students each year due to advanced infrastructure, favorable weather conditions, and globally recognized certifications. Indian students represent a significant share of that pipeline.

Industry experts warn that heightened scrutiny or negative sentiment could disrupt this ecosystem. Flight training academies rely on international enrollment to sustain operations, while airlines worldwide depend on a steady supply of trained pilots to address ongoing shortages.  Barriers, whether policy-driven or perception-based, could ripple across the broader aviation workforce.

19/04/2026 Jayujyoti Mullick/American Bazar

Read More

Mumbai Airport Fines Ground Handler Rs 10 Lakh for Damaging Gulf Air Aircraft

A ground handling incident at Mumbai International Airport on April 10 has led to a Rs 10 lakh fine for AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL). During a towing operation, a detached dolly struck and damaged a parked Gulf Air aircraft's airframe. The aircraft was grounded as 'Aircraft on Ground' (AOG), disrupting Gulf Air's flight schedules. Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), owned by the Adani Group, has called the incident a serious safety lapse with significant reputational damage. Such operational failures can impact the broader Indian aviation sector, which is projected for substantial growth. MIAL also reserved rights for further compensation due to the incident.

The Rs 10 lakh fine may be only part of the financial damage. MIAL noted substantial financial and commercial losses, including lost revenue from services related to the grounded aircraft. The incident also caused operational inefficiencies and reduced capacity at the busy Mumbai airport. AIASL, a major ground handler operating at 113 airports, could see its reputation suffer, potentially impacting future contracts. Regulators like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) closely watch ground handling incidents, having previously fined entities like MIAL for other violations, indicating a strict stance.

The incident highlights potential underlying issues within ground handling services, a critical but often outsourced part of airport operations. AIASL, despite its extensive operations, has faced past criticism. In 2022, Air India raised concerns about AIASL, citing delays, staffing shortages, equipment issues, and staff conduct. These recurring problems suggest that underlying causes of operational failures might persist despite fines. This risk is heightened as airport operators invest in safety and automation, especially amid increased international scrutiny on ground safety. Mumbai airport's capacity, already strained by major investment plans and expected passenger growth, is further threatened by such events. India's air traffic control (ATC) also faces strain from staff shortages, which can indirectly affect ground operations and overall airport efficiency.

19/04/2026 Vihaan Mehta/Whalesbook

Read More

2 Americans detained at Srinagar airport after satellite phone found in luggage

Two US nationals were detained at Srinagar airport on Sunday after security officials found a satellite phone, a prohibited item, in their luggage during a routine check.

The individuals were questioned by airport security and later handed over to police for further investigation.

One of the detained individuals was identified as Jeffrey Scott from Montana. Officials said the satellite phone, manufactured by Garmin, was recovered from his luggage.

The use of satellite phones is prohibited in India without prior government approval. Devices such as Thuraya and Iridium phones fall under strict regulation, and unauthorised possession can lead to detention, arrest and seizure under the Indian Telegraph Act and other security rules.

According to official guidelines, travellers must obtain written permission from the Department of Telecommunications before carrying or using satellite communication devices in the country.

India enforces stringent telecom restrictions due to security concerns, and both foreign nationals and Indian citizens have faced action in the past for carrying satellite communicators.

Last May, a US-based ophthalmologist was stopped at Puducherry airport after an Iridium satellite phone was found in her possession. She was prevented from boarding a flight to Hyderabad, and a police investigation was initiated.

Authorities have also reported previous detentions involving foreign nationals, including a Chinese citizen and a British executive, for carrying unauthorised satellite devices at airports and hotels across the country.

19/04/2026 Mir Fareed/India Today

Read More

Adani sets up 3 subsidiaries for real estate business near airports

Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has announced the incorporation of three new wholly owned subsidiaries focused on real estate and hospitality developments near its airport projects. The move, disclosed in a regulatory filing on April 18, 2026, signals a strategic push by the conglomerate to monetise and develop land parcels surrounding its aviation hubs.

Adani Enterprises has informed the BSE and National Stock Exchange that its step-down wholly owned subsidiary, Adani Airport City Limited, has incorporated three new wholly owned subsidiaries. These new entities—Adani Navi Mumbai Airport City Limited (ANMACL), Adani Guwahati Airport City Limited (AGACL), and Adani Ahmedabad Airport City Limited (AAACL)—were all incorporated in India on April 6, 2026.

The primary business objective for these subsidiaries falls under real estate activities. Specifically, ANMACL, AGACL, and AAACL are set to engage in the development, leasing, and construction of buildings, as well as the management of integrated hotels, restaurants, banquets, and business centres.

Each of the three companies has been established with a paid-up share capital of Rs10,00,000, consisting of 100,000 equity shares at a face value of Rs10 per share. Adani Airport City Limited holds 100% of the shareholding in each entity, maintaining them as wholly owned subsidiaries within the broader Adani Enterprises corporate structure. The incorporation was completed via cash consideration and did not require any specific governmental or regulatory approvals.

19/04/2026 New Indian Express

Read More

Mumbai airport conman dupes flyers by posing as Nagpur student seeking ticket money

Mumbai: Police warned flyers that a youth, claiming to be a student from a Nagpur Technology Institute, moved around the airport premises and conned people on the false pretext of seeking monetary help to buy a flight ticket to rush back to college or to another destination as he had lost his ticket and was short of money. Police asked flyers not to fall prey to the conman and to alert the local police station if they came across such a person seeking monetary help. At least three to four people were duped in a similar way by the same conman outside the airport.

The latest victim was a sales manager, Akshay Gawade (31), from Pune, who was conned after he stepped out of the arrival gate at Mumbai Domestic Airport Arrival on March 21. An FIR was registered on Saturday on a complaint that Gawade mailed on March 29 after he found out that he was conned by a person who identified himself as Nilaboyina Srigiridhara Aditya. "The team is gathering details of the person through the CCTV footage from the airport premise where Gawade was duped to identify the whereabouts," said a police officer of the Airport police station.

Gawade, employed in a Pune firm and staying with his family in Pune, got down at Mumbai Airport after flying from Kolkata on March 21 after an official trip. In the complaint, Gawade said: "At 12.30 pm I stepped out of the arrival gate at Mumbai Domestic Airport when a youth introduced himself as Nilaboyina Srigiridhara Aditya approached me upset and worried. He claimed himself a student of VNIT College in Nagpur and showed me his College ID card. At that time, I took a photo of the said ID card on my mobile. The said person further told me that his ticket to Hyderabad was lost and he needed to go to Hyderabad urgently, so he needed financial help."

According to the FIR, the conman pleaded with Gawade saying, "Please help me," and said that he would return the money taken from Gawade very soon. "I thought this person was a student and he needed help. I trusted him and agreed to give him money. Then he showed me a scanner on his mobile phone. I scanned the said scanner and sent him Rs16,000 via Google Pay. After that, he gave me his mobile number. Two days later, I messaged him on his WhatsApp and inquired about the money, but he said he would give the money but did not," Gawade said in the FIR.

20/04/2026 V Narayan/Times of India

Read More

Mumbai airport slaps Rs 10 lakh fine on ground handling services provider for aircraft damage

Terming it a major incident that has caused serious reputational loss to the airport, Adani Group-owned MIAL has imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL), according to a communication accessed by PTI.

The incident that resulted in the damage of the Gulf Air aircraft happened on April 10 when AIASL personnel were engaged in towing loaded containers mounted on dollies along the head-of-stand road in the vicinity of aircraft stands.

"... while the towing operation was in progress, one of the rear dollies became detached from the preceding dolly, moved in uncontrolled manner and struck a parked aircraft belonging to Gulf Air at the airport.

The impact resulted in damage to the said aircraft's airframe, including damage in the forward area of the aircraft," MIAL said in a letter to AIASL on April 15.

With the plane suffering damages, it was declared as Aircraft on Ground (AOG). Gulf Air is Bahrain-headquartered airline.

Details about the aircraft could not be ascertained.

According to the letter, the incident has caused serious reputational loss to the airport.

"In addition to reputational harm, MIAL is also facing loss of revenue and commercial impact arising from the AOG condition of the Gulf Air aircraft. This includes disruption and deferment of aeronautical and allied airport revenues directly linked to aircraft operations.

19/04/2026 PTI/Tribune

Read More

Excess time fee scrapped at Doon airport

DEHRADUN: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is set to roll out a commuter-friendly and technology-driven parking system under a revised policy by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). A key highlight is the removal of excess-time fees earlier imposed on vehicles overstaying in parking zones.

Officials said the move will reduce confusion and inconvenience for travellers. “The new rules aim to simplify parking, reduce congestion and improve overall passenger experience,” said BCH Negi, director of the airport.

A major relief has also been extended to commercial vehicles. Non-AAI licensed operators, who were earlier charged Rs 345 for lane pickups, will now pay a nominal fee of Rs 80, making short-duration pickups significantly more affordable.

In addition, toll booths will be relocated outside parking areas, eliminating the need for entry tokens -- a step expected to ease congestion at entry points and ensure smoother traffic flow.

20/04/2026 Gaurav Talwar/Times of India

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

'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

Read More

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

Read More