Airport Infrastructure Push Expands Beyond Metros Across Indian States

 India's airport infrastructure expansion is gathering momentum, with projects in different states reflecting diverse approaches to improving connectivity and stimulating economic activity. Recent developments in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh underline how aviation is emerging as a critical component of regional development strategies.

In Maharashtra, Nagpur's Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is set to enter a new phase with GMR Group scheduled to take over its operations on June 25 under a public-private partnership arrangement. The transition follows years of legal and administrative processes and is expected to pave the way for modernisation and expansion of facilities at one of central India's key aviation gateways.

_____________________

Read also

• Noida International Airport Set to Redefine NCR's Aviation and Economic Landscape

______________________

A GMR spokesperson said the company was committed to transforming the airport into "a catalyst for regional growth", with plans aimed at strengthening Nagpur's position as an aviation and logistics hub for the Vidarbha region. The airport's development assumes greater significance as Nagpur continues to witness steady passenger growth. Its strategic location at the geographical centre of the country has long been viewed as advantageous for cargo and maintenance-related aviation activities.

In Jammu and Kashmir, efforts are underway to operationalise a civil airport at Udhampur. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced that the airport is expected to become functional in the coming months, with tenders already floated for the construction of the passenger terminal. According to the minister, ATR aircraft operations are planned initially, providing improved connectivity to the region.

"The Udhampur civil airport will boost tourism, generate employment opportunities and improve ease of travel for residents," Dr Singh said while reviewing the project's progress. The airport is expected to complement the Union Territory's broader connectivity initiatives and provide another air link in a strategically important region.

Jharkhand offers another perspective on the country's aviation growth story — that of a regional airport evolving into a financially sustainable asset. Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport reported a net profit of Rs 87.56 crore during the 2025-26 financial year, while passenger traffic touched 27 lakh during the period.

"The airport generated a net profit of Rs 87.56 crore in FY 2025-26 and handled around 27 lakh passengers," Airport Director Vinod Kumar said. He attributed the performance to sustained growth in passenger demand and improved operational efficiency. The results demonstrate that regional airports can emerge as commercially viable infrastructure projects while supporting local economic growth.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh continues its aggressive airport expansion programme, reinforcing its ambition to become one of India's most connected states by air. Infrastructure works are progressing in six cities — Gorakhpur, Agra, Kanpur, Aligarh, Azamgarh and Shravasti — involving new terminals, runway enhancements and airport upgrades aimed at improving regional accessibility.

The state's aviation push is anchored by the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, one of India's largest greenfield airport projects. The airport is expected to commence international flight operations by the end of 2026 and will serve as a major gateway for the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh. Developed in phases, the airport is designed to handle substantial passenger and cargo traffic and is expected to ease congestion at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

"With world-class infrastructure and multimodal connectivity, Noida International Airport will play a transformative role in the region's economic growth," project officials have said, highlighting its potential to attract investments, create jobs and spur the development of aviation-linked industries.

Officials in Uttar Pradesh believe that enhanced air connectivity across the state will improve investment prospects, facilitate tourism and reduce travel times across different regions. The expansion programme complements existing facilities in Lucknow and Varanasi and reflects the state's broader strategy of integrating aviation development with expressways, industrial corridors and urban growth centres.

Taken together, these developments point to a broader transformation in India's aviation landscape. While metropolitan airports continue to expand, increasing emphasis is being placed on improving regional connectivity, creating aviation-linked employment and integrating smaller cities into the national economic framework.

From Nagpur's private-sector-led modernisation and Udhampur's entry into civil aviation, to Ranchi's financial success and Uttar Pradesh's network-wide expansion anchored by the development of Noida International Airport, airports are increasingly being viewed not merely as transport facilities but as engines of economic growth and regional integration.

As India seeks to become one of the world's largest aviation markets, investments in airport infrastructure are extending well beyond metropolitan centres, reshaping connectivity and opening up new opportunities across the country.

13/06/2026 

Read More

Five IAF Personnel Killed in AN-32 Crash During Landing at Assam's Jorhat Airbase

Jorhat (Assam): Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed and another injured after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday morning.

According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft met with the accident during a routine sortie at around 10 a.m. "Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time," the IAF said in a statement, adding that it "deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief."

The aircraft reportedly crashed within the premises of the airbase and caught fire after impact. India Today reported that the aircraft was engulfed in flames soon after the mishap, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews stationed at the base. The publication said the incident occurred as the aircraft was landing at the air station.

Hindustan Times, quoting official sources, reported that the AN-32 "split into two" following the crash landing. The newspaper added that fire-fighting teams and rescue personnel were rushed to the scene to bring the blaze under control and assist the occupants.

The Indian Air Force later confirmed that five personnel had lost their lives in the accident. The Times of India identified the deceased as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. The report said one crew member, believed to be the co-pilot, survived and was receiving medical treatment.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences over the tragedy, while the IAF announced that a Court of Inquiry had been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.

The Antonov AN-32, a twin-engine military transport aircraft of Soviet origin, has served as one of the Indian Air Force's primary tactical transport platforms for decades. It is extensively used for transporting personnel, equipment and supplies to remote and high-altitude regions across the country.

The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigators are expected to examine flight records, maintenance history and eyewitness accounts as part of the inquiry.

13/06/2026

Read More

Noida International Airport Set to Redefine NCR's Aviation and Economic Landscape

Noida: As commercial operations at the Noida International Airport prepare to take off, industry stakeholders and policymakers are increasingly viewing the greenfield project as a catalyst for economic transformation in western Uttar Pradesh and the wider National Capital Region (NCR).

The airport, located in Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, is scheduled to commence commercial operations this month with domestic flights, while international services are expected to follow later this year.

According to The Hindu BusinessLine, the airport will initially handle around "40 flights a day by July", with the number expected to increase steadily as airlines expand their operations. "International services are expected to begin later this year," the newspaper reported, citing airport officials involved in the rollout plans.

The phased launch reflects a cautious but ambitious strategy. Swarajya reported that Noida International Airport is  "targeting the launch of international flight operations by the end of 2026", positioning itself as a major gateway serving Delhi-NCR. The publication noted that airport authorities are working closely with regulators and airlines to ensure a smooth transition from domestic-only operations to international connectivity.

"International operations are expected to commence by the end of this year," Swarajya quoted airport officials as saying, adding that the airport's long-term vision is to emerge as one of India's most significant aviation hubs.

Beyond aviation, the airport is also being seen as a driver of regional economic growth. According to a report carried by both Business Standard and Livemint, real estate developer CRC Group believes the airport's launch has reinforced investor confidence in the region's future prospects.

"The operationalisation of Noida International Airport is a defining moment for the region," Business Standard, quoting CRC Group Chairman Kunal Bhalla, reported. "It validates the long-term growth potential of the Yamuna Expressway corridor and strengthens confidence among homebuyers and investors."

Bhalla further noted that improved connectivity would stimulate demand across multiple sectors. "Major infrastructure developments such as this airport create a multiplier effect by generating employment, attracting businesses and accelerating urban development," he said.

The airport's influence is expected to extend well beyond real estate. Analysts believe it could reshape logistics, tourism, hospitality and manufacturing in western Uttar Pradesh, while reducing pressure on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Developed in phases, the airport's first stage is designed to handle "12 million passengers annually", with future expansions planned to increase capacity substantially. Once fully developed, it is expected to become one of India's largest airports.

For policymakers, the project represents more than just another transport hub. It reflects India's broader ambition to expand aviation infrastructure to meet rapidly rising demand for air travel.

As the first commercial flights prepare for departure and international airlines assess future opportunities, Noida International Airport appears poised to become a symbol of the country's next phase of aviation-led growth.

"We are witnessing the emergence of an entirely new economic ecosystem around the airport," CRC Group's Bhalla said, according to Livemint. "The benefits will extend far beyond connectivity and will contribute significantly to regional prosperity."

13/06/2026

Read More

Air India May Scale Back Expansion as Tata Group Pushes to Stem Mounting Losses

 New Delhi: Air India is considering a significant slowdown in its ambitious expansion plans as parent Tata Group seeks to rein in mounting financial losses and stabilize the airline's operations, according to multiple media reports.

The move marks a sharp shift in strategy for the airline, which has pursued aggressive growth since returning to Tata ownership in 2022. The carrier had embarked on an extensive transformation programme that included record aircraft orders, fleet modernisation and network expansion aimed at reclaiming its position as a leading global airline.

However, Business Standard, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Air India is now "looking to defer aircraft deliveries, cut flights and postpone expansion plans after majority owner Tata Group instructed the carrier to focus on reducing its record losses." The report said the airline had incurred annual losses of around $3 billion, prompting concern within the Tata Group over the pace and cost of the turnaround effort.

According to the report, Air India is in discussions with aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing to delay the delivery of as many as 500 aircraft ordered in recent years. Such a move would help the airline defer substantial payments linked to new aircraft deliveries.

The airline is also reassessing plans to launch new domestic and international routes. Business Standard reported that Air India could postpone services at certain airports, including the upcoming Noida International Airport near Delhi, while pruning some existing routes as part of its cost-control measures.

Echoing these concerns, The Indian Eye said Air India was "preparing to scale back parts of its ambitious expansion strategy as mounting financial losses prompt its owner, the Tata Group, to prioritize cost control and operational efficiency." The publication noted that the carrier had recorded "one of the largest losses in its history," leading to a renewed emphasis on financial discipline.

The reported strategic rethink comes amid a series of operational and external challenges that have weighed heavily on the airline's finances. Business Standard said Air India's losses had been exacerbated by disruptions arising from the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers, geopolitical tensions in West Asia that increased operating costs, and the weakening of the Indian rupee, which has inflated expenses denominated in US dollars.

Despite the reported downsizing plans, Air India has publicly maintained its commitment to long-term transformation. According to reports cited by several media outlets, an airline spokesperson described the speculation surrounding the carrier's future plans as "highly speculative" and reiterated that Air India remained focused on fleet modernisation and enhancing the customer experience.

The Tata Group acquired Air India from the Government of India in January 2022, ending decades of state ownership. Since then, the conglomerate has invested heavily in integrating its aviation businesses, refurbishing aircraft cabins and placing one of the largest aircraft orders in aviation history.

The latest developments suggest that while Tata Group remains committed to rebuilding the national carrier, the emphasis may now shift from rapid expansion to sustainable growth and operational consolidation.

13/06/2026 

Read More

India's Aviation Sector Soars on Rising Demand and Expanding Infrastructure

 New Delhi: India's civil aviation sector is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth, driven by rising passenger demand, massive investments in airport infrastructure, and government initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity.

The country's emergence as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market reflects a broader transformation in the way Indians travel. Speaking at an aviation event in New Delhi, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that India's aviation story had become a symbol of the country's economic progress and aspirations.

"India has emerged as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market," The Hindu BusinessLine quoted her as saying, adding that the achievement underscored the rapid expansion of air connectivity and the increasing accessibility of air travel to millions of Indians. She noted that the growth had been supported by technological advancements and sustained policy support.

According to industry estimates, domestic air passenger traffic has more than doubled over the past decade, aided by rising incomes, a growing middle class and the success of regional connectivity initiatives such as the UDAN scheme. The country's expanding aviation footprint is also evident in the increasing number of operational airports and large aircraft orders placed by Indian carriers. Airbus has projected that Indian airlines could triple their fleet size to around 2,250 aircraft over the next decade, highlighting the sector's long-term growth potential.

The infrastructure push is perhaps most visible in Uttar Pradesh, where the state government is aggressively expanding its aviation network to connect smaller cities with the rest of the country. News18 reported that airport development and terminal expansion projects are under way in cities including Gorakhpur, Agra, Kanpur, Aligarh, Moradabad and Shravasti.

"Uttar Pradesh is continuously strengthening its civil aviation infrastructure to improve air connectivity and accelerate economic development," News18 quoted officials in the state's Civil Aviation Department as saying. The report added that new terminals, land acquisitions and airport upgrades are being fast-tracked to meet rising passenger demand.

Among the major projects is the development of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, which is expected to emerge as a major aviation hub in northern India. At the same time, expansion plans at existing airports are aimed at reducing congestion and extending the benefits of air travel beyond metropolitan centres.

The twin trends of rising demand and infrastructure expansion are reshaping India's aviation landscape. What was once considered a mode of transport primarily for urban elites is increasingly becoming an essential part of the country's mobility network.

With policymakers targeting hundreds of operational airports in the coming decades and airlines preparing for significant fleet expansion, India's aviation sector appears poised for sustained growth. The challenge ahead will be ensuring that this expansion is matched by investments in safety oversight, manpower development and sustainable aviation practices.

As India continues its ascent in global aviation rankings, the sector is likely to play an increasingly important role in driving trade, tourism and regional development, connecting not only major cities but also previously underserved communities across the country.

13/06/2026 

Read More

A year after Ahmedabad crash, safety still shapes how India flies: 3 in 10 travellers check aircraft type before booking, finds LocalCircles survey

New Delhi: One year ago today, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground – India’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. A year on, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s final report still awaited, a new nationwide survey by LocalCircles shows that the tragedy has left a lasting imprint on how Indians fly: 3 in 10 airline travellers say they now check the aircraft type before booking or travelling, and a similar proportion believe airlines have been cutting corners on safety.

The intervening year has given fliers little reason to relax. In February 2026, another Air India Boeing 787’s fuel control switch reportedly moved to ‘CUTOFF’ twice during engine start-up at Heathrow – an unsettling echo of the AI171 preliminary findings – while a SpiceJet Delhi-Leh flight returned with an engine snag and an IndiGo aircraft clipped an Air India plane while taxiing at Mumbai. In April, a SpiceJet aircraft struck a stationary Akasa Air plane at Delhi’s Terminal 1. May brought an emergency slide evacuation of an IndiGo flight in Chandigarh after a power bank fire, and a full emergency at Delhi airport after an engine fire warning on an Air India flight from Bengaluru. The DGCA’s own audit of 754 commercial aircraft found 377 – exactly half – with recurring technical defects.

12/06/2026 Wire

Read More

Families, aviation community pay tribute to AI-171 crew in Mumbai

 Mumbai Family members, friends and colleagues gathered in Mumbai on Friday to remember the 12 crew members who lost their lives in the AI-171 Air India crash, as the city marked one year since one of India's deadliest aviation tragedies.

The prayer meeting, held in Mumbai's Bandra area, brought together grieving relatives and members of the aviation fraternity to honour those who died when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12 last year.

The disaster claimed 260 lives — including 241 passengers and crew members onboard and 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived, while all 12 crew members perished during the aircraft's initial climb.

Among those attending the memorial was Amol Tatkare, whose wife Aparna Mahadik, a senior cabin crew member with Air India, was among the victims.

Recalling the day of the tragedy, Tatkare said he himself was attending training at Air India's academy, where he also worked as cabin crew.

"I was at the training academy. During lunch break, I got a message from somebody from the cabin crew fraternity asking if everything was okay," he said.

12/06/2026 Vidushi Gaur/PTI/Awaz the Voice

Read More

AI171 crash: One year on, families still await answers as final report is delayed

 One year after an Air India passenger jet crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing over 260 people, families of the victims are still waiting for answers about what caused one of the world's deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, came down less than a minute after take-off on 12 June 2025. All but one of the 242 people on board were killed, along with 19 people on the ground when the aircraft struck a medical college hostel.

The anniversary comes with India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) yet to issue a final report, which investigators had been expected to complete around the first anniversary of the crash.

The anniversary also coincides with the expiry of the one-year timeline recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the submission of a final accident investigation report.

In a post on X marking the first anniversary of the Air India Flight AI171 crash, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu indicated that the investigation into the disaster has yet to be completed.

"Today, as we mark one year since the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident, we remember with profound sorrow those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones," Naidu said.

"The investigation continues with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures. We remain committed to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident and to further enhancing aviation safety," he added.

12/06/2026 New Indian Express

Read More

Fuelling the future: Building a resilient aviation fuel ecosystem for India

The report presents a strategic perspective on the emergence of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a critical enabler of India’s aviation growth, energy security, and decarbonisation ambitions. India’s aviation sector is witnessing rapid expansion, with passenger traffic expected to grow steadily and position the country among the largest aviation markets globally.

However, this growth is accompanied by increasing dependence on imported crude oil for aviation turbine fuel (ATF), exposing the sector to global price volatility, geopolitical risks, and supply chain disruptions. At the same time, evolving international carbon regulations and SAF mandates are reshaping the economics of global aviation, creating urgency for India to develop a domestic, scalable aviation fuel alternative.

It highlights the convergence of two structural forces, that is, energy security and decarbonisation, which is elevating SAF from a sustainability initiative to a strategic fuel pathway for the aviation sector. Globally, SAF is gaining prominence due to its ability to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 60–90 per cent while functioning as a drop-in fuel compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure. For India, this transition presents a unique opportunity to leverage its agricultural base, biofuel ecosystem, refining capacity, and growing aviation demand to build a domestically anchored SAF ecosystem.

A key theme of the report is the need to move beyond a blending-focused approach and develop a fully integrated SAF ecosystem. It outlines that the future of aviation fuel will be shaped by four structural pillars: feedstock resilience, multi-pathway production capability, integrated industrial clusters, and robust logistics and storage infrastructure. The report identifies viable SAF production pathways, such as Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ), as critical enablers for early deployment, while also emphasising the importance of advanced pathways like Fischer–Tropsch (FT) and Power-to-Liquids (PtL) for long-term scalability.

The report further presents a phased roadmap for India’s SAF transition, structured across three stages: foundation (creating policy certainty and investment confidence), scale-up (building industrial capacity and integrated infrastructure), and export play (positioning India within global SAF supply chains). It underscores that early blending mandates, while important for compliance and market development, are only the starting point. Achieving meaningful energy security and reducing crude oil dependence will require large-scale deployment and ecosystem-wide alignment across airlines, refiners, fuel producers, airports, logistics providers, and policymakers.

12/06/2026 KPMG

Read More

Continue to support investigation: Boeing on first anniversary of AI171 crash

On the first anniversary of the Air India Flight 171 disaster, aviation company Boeing issued an official statement offering condolences to those grieving the catastrophe. The manufacturer expressed that their thoughts remain entirely with the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as with Air India, while reaffirming their active cooperation with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India.

The statement marks a painful milestone for a tragedy that shook the global aviation community exactly one year ago.

On June 12, 2025, the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad, only to plunge into a student hostel at BJ Medical College just 32 seconds into the flight.

The catastrophic impact claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew, alongside 19 people on the ground.

As the AAIB dove into the wreckage, preliminary data revealed a haunting detail: three seconds after liftoff, both of the Dreamliner's fuel switches were flipped to the cut-off position, instantly starving the engines.

Cockpit voice recordings captured a chilling exchange where one pilot asked why the fuel had been cut, only for the other to reply that he had not touched the controls.

12/06/2026 Amit Bhardwaj/India Today

Read More

Air India crash report: AAIB says AI-171 crash probe in final analysis stage, urges restraint on speculation

 One year after the crash of Air India flight AI171, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau on Friday released a second interim report on the tragedy that claimed 260 lives.

The AAIB also cautioned stakeholders, including the media and the public, against drawing premature conclusions while the investigation remains underway. It stressed that the objective of an accident investigation is to improve aviation safety through lessons learned and safety recommendations, rather than assigning blame or liability.

In a statement issued on the anniversary of the crash, the AAIB expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and acknowledged the continuing grief of all those affected by the tragedy.

The London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into the hostel complex of Ahmedabad's BJ Medical College shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025.

Of the 242 people on board, 241 were killed, along with several people on the ground, taking the death toll to 260. The accident marked the first fatal crash involving Boeing's 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service in 2011.

The investigation bureau said the investigation is being carried out in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and the standards prescribed under ICAO Annex 13. A preliminary report containing factual information related to the accident was released on July 12, 2025.

12/06/2026 Economic Times

Read More

J&K CM Omar meets Union Defence, Civil Aviation Ministers to seek review over proposed Srinagar airport closure

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi to raise concerns over the proposed closure of Srinagar airport from October 1 to 16 for planned runway maintenance and repair works.

During his meetings with the Union ministers, Omar underscored the importance of maintaining uninterrupted air connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the peak autumn tourism season when the Valley attracts a large number of visitors from across the country.

While acknowledging that resurfacing works are essential for operational safety and fully respecting the operational assessment of the Indian Air Force, CM expressed concern over the timing of the final phase of the project, which coincides with one of the busiest periods for the tourism sector.

According to an advisory issued by Srinagar Airport, the runway is proposed to remain unavailable every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 to September 30, 2026, as part of a scheduled maintenance programme being undertaken by the Indian Air Force.

12/06/2026 Fayaz Wani/New Indian Express

Read More

A Year After Air India Crash: Fear, Trust And Heavy Toll Of Flight AI171

New Delhi: On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed 32 seconds after take-off. All but one of the 242 on board the plane and 19 on ground died. A year since the tragedy, the wounds remain etched in people's minds.

At Terminal 3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, Anu Chikkara holds her newborn baby tightly as she shares her fears. "As soon as turbulence hits, your anxiety goes through the roof. Your concern centres around your child, who still has so much of the world to see," she says, while her child remains distracted by her aunt's ring. Chikkara acknowledges the necessity of air travel but notes that she flies out of compulsion rather than choice.

While Chikkara stands near the exit, Varesh and Tanishka Sharma, a couple from Jaipur who just returned from a trip to Sikkim, come out from another corner of the busy airport. Having flown on an aircraft for the first time, Varesh Sharma says the Ahmedabad crash forced him to stall his travel plans for as long as he could. The couple explains how the tragedy has increased their reliance on buses and trains. "Our parents are travelling from Rajasthan all the way to Tamil Nadu by train. We prefer that they take more time but stay safe during their journey," he said.

When asked why the couple would not send their elderly parents via a flight, a mode of transport that would take a quarter of the time, Varesh Sharma defends his choice: "When such prominent personalities have fallen prey to airborne accidents, who are we?"

12/06/2026 NDTV

Read More

Will sue Boeing if design or manufacturing defect is proved, says lawyer of Air India crash victims

 New Delhi: A year after the deadly Air India plane crash, the US-based attorney representing the families of victims has warned that a similar disaster cannot be ruled out unless investigators conclusively establish what caused the aircraft to go down.

The absence of definitive answers remains a concern not only for the families of those killed in the crash but also for the wider aviation industry across the world, he said.

“Unless the root cause is determined, this could happen again,” Mike Andrews told ThePrint. “If a disaster of this magnitude occurs and every effort is not taken to uncover the technical reason for it, then, of course, this could happen again.”

Several critical questions remain unanswered, he said, cautioning against settling on a single explanation before all the evidence has been examined.

Andrews also cautioned against blaming the pilots—Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder—right away, pointing at the controversy post the release of the preliminary report when speculation around pilot error took centre stage despite the investigation still being underway.

12/06/2026 Esha Mishra/Print

Read More

Honeywell delivers first engines for Indian HTT-40 trainer aircraft

US company Honeywell announced on 11 June that it had delivered the first three TPE331-12B engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use on the latter’s HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft.

The HTT-40 turboprop is scheduled to become an indigenous basic trainer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), and production of the aircraft has already been under way. Actually, two series-produced HTT-40s are currently flying with used TPE331-12B engines that powered the prototype.

Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, explained: “These deliveries mark a significant milestone for the HTT-40 programme, and we’re confident future engine deliveries will continue on schedule.”

He was alluding to the fact that these engine deliveries had been delayed. Under Honeywell’s original US$100 million contract inked in July 2022, the first of 88 engines were supposed to be delivered last September. Bottlenecks in the global supply chain were blamed for delays.

The IAF ordered 70 HTT-40 trainers on 7 March 2023. Under the US$388 million contract, HAL was supposed to deliver the first dozen aircraft to the IAF in FY2025-26.

12/06/2026 Gordon Arthur/Asian Military Review

Read More

Delhi-bound IndiGo flight delayed after threat note on tissue paper found in toilet

A Delhi-bound IndiGo flight from Lucknow was delayed on Thursday after a bomb threat note written on tissue paper was found inside the aircraft toilet, prompting a full-scale security response just before take-off. The threat later turned out to be a hoax.

Flight 6E2111, scheduled to depart from Lucknow for Delhi at 10:45 am with around 180 passengers on board, was delayed after a handwritten note on a tissue paper claiming that a bomb was present on the aircraft was discovered inside one of the toilets.

According to sources, the boarding process had already been completed when the crew was alerted about the note. The incident occurred at around 11:47 am at Lucknow Airport. The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was immediately alerted, and other concerned agencies were informed.

Following standard operating procedures, bomb detection and disposal squad personnel evacuated the passengers and all those on board were deboarded. Security agencies then carried out a thorough inspection of the aircraft.

After extensive searches and investigations, authorities found nothing suspicious and concluded that the threat was a hoax, sources said.

Confirming the incident, an IndiGo spokesperson said, "Shortly before take-off, a security threat was noticed onboard IndiGo flight 6E 2111 scheduled to operate from Lucknow to Delhi on June 12, 2026. Following the established protocol, we informed the relevant authorities immediately and are fully cooperating with them in carrying out the necessary security checks."

12/06/2026 Ashish Srivastava/India Today

Read More

Embraer Targets $12 Billion Indian Air Force Aircraft Deal with KC-390 Pitch

Brazilian aerospace major Embraer is aggressively marketing its KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), as India prepares to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for up to 80 medium transport aircraft, a procurement programme estimated to be worth as much as $12 billion, The Economic Times reported.

The KC-390 Millennium, a next-generation multi-mission transport and aerial refuelling aircraft, is competing against the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and the Airbus A400M for the Indian requirement.

Embraer is competing for an Indian Air Force requirement for up to 80 medium military transport aircraft, with the tender expected to be issued in the coming months.

The Brazilian aircraft is up against the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus A400M, offering a 26-tonne payload and higher speed than comparable turboprop aircraft.

Embraer has pledged significant indigenous content and plans to leverage its partnership with Adani Defence & Aerospace to build a manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Brazilian aerospace major Embraer is aggressively marketing its KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), as India prepares to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for up to 80 medium transport aircraft, a procurement programme estimated to be worth as much as $12 billion, The Economic Times reported.

The KC-390 Millennium, a next-generation multi-mission transport and aerial refuelling aircraft, is competing against the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and the Airbus A400M for the Indian requirement.

According to the report citing Embraer, the KC-390 offers a payload capacity of 26 tonnes, exceeding the C-130J's 20-tonne capability, while retaining the ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips.

Powered by turbofan jet engines, the aircraft is also said to be 25-30% faster than comparable turboprop platforms, while delivering lower operating costs.

The aircraft can be configured for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, cargo operations, VIP movement, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and aerial refuelling.

Embraer Chief Executive Officer Francisco Gomes Neto told ET that the company is optimistic about its prospects in India and believes the KC-390 aligns closely with the IAF's operational requirements.

12/06/2026 Outlook Business

Read More

Air India 171 crash: One year later, remembering Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s final flight and legacy

A year after the Air India Flight 171 crash, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is remembered as one of the senior pilots who lost his life in one of India's deadliest aviation disasters. The Air India pilot, who had nearly three decades of flying experience, was among those who died when the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

Sabharwal was commanding the flight that crashed moments after departure, in one of the most tragic aviation incidents involving the Tata Group-owned airline in recent years.

Captain Sabharwal was a Line Training Captain (LTC) with more than 8,200 hours of flying experience logged with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Over the course of his career, Sabharwal flew several wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A310, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner — aircraft typically deployed on long-haul international routes.

"He was a very quiet, diligent man," a fellow pilot told the Times of India. "He kept his head down and focused on his work."

According to the DGCA, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm IST (0809 UTC) from Runway 23.

Shortly after take-off, the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call to air traffic control. However, there was no further response from the cockpit despite repeated attempts by ATC to establish communication.

The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter soon after departure, with thick black smoke seen rising from the accident site.

Sabharwal was accompanied by co-pilot Clive Kunder, who had about 1,100 hours of flying experience.

12/06/2026 Priyanka Rathi/CNBC TV18

Read More

One year after Ahmedabad crash, Air India says compensation reaches most victims' families

 Nearly a year after the Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, the airline said that compensation has reached most affected families, with the process of final settlements now underway even as investigators continue to probe the cause of one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.

Air India said it has disbursed interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of 96 per cent of those who lost their lives in the June 12, 2025 crash. The remaining cases are largely pending due to incomplete documentation or ongoing family-related legal disputes.

The London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and crew members on board and 19 people on the ground. The accident was the first fatal crash involving Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service and sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry.

Air India said compensation efforts have also covered those injured on the ground. According to the airline, 94 per cent of affected individuals have either received full and final compensation or interim financial assistance, depending on the severity of injuries and any resulting loss of livelihood.

A small number of claims remain unresolved as the required forms and supporting documents have not yet been submitted.

In addition to statutory compensation, the Tata Group’s AI171 Memorial and Welfare Trust has disbursed the Rs 1 crore ex-gratia assistance announced by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran to 91 per cent of the families of the deceased.

12/06/2026 First Post

Read More

One year of Air India tragedy: What's causing the delay in the Ahmedabad crash report?

As India mourns the 260 people killed in the Air India crash at Ahmedabad in 2025, an interim investigation report into what caused the fatal tragedy will be released on Friday. The incident occurred when a London-bound Air India flight crashed into a building just outside the international airport, killing all except one passenger. Along with the 241  passengers, 19 people on the ground also perished when the aircraft, carrying a huge quantity of aviation turbine fuel, erupted into a fireball.

Some reports attribute it to human error, while others suspect a technical fault or a malfunction in the aircraft's systems.

In July 2025, India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary  report, which said that seconds after takeoff, both fuel control switches in the cockpit  were moved from the "RUN" position to the "CUTOFF" position. This cut off fuel supply  to both engines, and the plane lost power almost immediately. Subsequently, the aircraft  lost altitude and crashed into buildings near Ahmedabad airport. Though the switches were later returned to "RUN" mode and the pilots attempted to restart the engines, the plane had already reached such a low altitude that it was beyond rescuing.

However, the final report into the tragedy is still pending. The probe is now being carried out by the experts from the US and the UK, and India. This is because the aircraft was a Boeing and the engines were from the American company GE. The process of technical examination of the engines, various tests, and consultation with international experts is still ongoing, with investigators conducting engine testing in April and visiting France last month as part of an analysis of the engine management unit.

According to sources, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is awaiting an analysis report from engine manufacturer GE Aerospace. Both engines of the ill-fated Boeing 787 have been sent to GE Aerospace's facility in Ohio, USA, for examination. According to officials, the engines were burned and damaged, but largely intact. A final report cannot be issued until this investigation is complete.

While one official says the inspection of engines could take time, as they require very  detailed and specialised testing. GE Aerospace has not yet indicated when its analysis will be complete, so it is difficult to predict when the report will be released.

12/06/2026 Meera Suresh/The Week

Read More

Model Arrested For Smuggling Weed Worth Rs 11.82 Crore From Bangkok To Mumbai

A 28-year-old model landed in Mumbai and ended up straight in jail for carrying over 11 kg of high quality 'hydroponic marijuana.' The model, identified as Harsha Sunny, was flying from Bangkok and was stopped at the Mumbai airport after officials found her behaviour suspicious during routine surveillance.

According to customs officials, Harsha Sunny arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai from Bangkok on the night of June 10-11 via Air India flight TG-351.

Noting Sunny's behaviour, officials from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and the Customs Department stopped her. Upon searching her trolley bag, officials found 12 vacuum-sealed plastic packets full of "green substance." An on-the-spot chemical test using a Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) kit confirmed the substance to be high-quality 'hydroponic marijuana.' 

Following this, the Customs Department arrested Harsha Sunny under the NDPS Act for smuggling banned narcotics.

12/06/2026 NDTV

Read More

Noida, Greater Noida get new electric bus links to Jewar Airport

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has flagged off 45 new electric buses to improve Jewar Airport connectivity and strengthen public transport across Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region.

The initiative is aimed at providing travellers with a safer, cleaner and more convenient commuting option while supporting green mobility goals.

Alongside the launch of the electric buses, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the new Noida bus depot, adding fresh capacity to the region’s transport network.

The move comes as Uttar Pradesh continues to expand its infrastructure and transport facilities ahead of the opening of the upcoming Jewar Airport.

"EV buses will start by June 15, and we have a target of 500 EV buses as per the demand for post-flight services at Jewer Noida international airport," said CM Yogi Adityanath.

He also mentioned that the 2 electric bus manufacturing plants (Tata Motors and Ashoka Leyland) have been installed for bus-making in Uttar Pradesh only.

He extended that 3 Hydrogen buses will also be provided by the Yamuna Authority.

12/06/2026 Bhupendra Chaudhary/India Today

Read More

Inside Bengaluru Airport's award-winning Terminal 2, the 'terminal in a garden' turning heads globally

Most airports are designed to get you from point A to point B. Bengaluru’s Terminal 2 is one of the rare exceptions that makes you want to linger.

Since opening at Kempegowda International Airport, the terminal has attracted international attention for a design approach rarely seen in aviation infrastructure. Instead of endless glass corridors and generic waiting areas, travellers move through gardens, walk beneath soaring bamboo installations and encounter greenery at nearly every stage of their journey.

It’s a striking first impression, but the terminal’s success lies in more than just aesthetics.

Terminal 2 was conceived as a “terminal in a garden,” a nod to Bengaluru’s long-standing identity as India’s Garden City. More than 600,000 plants, shrubs and trees have been incorporated into the project, creating a landscape that unfolds throughout the passenger experience rather than being confined to decorative corners.

From hanging gardens and indoor green walls to landscaped courtyards, the terminal feels unusually connected to its surroundings. For travellers arriving in Bengaluru for the first time, it also serves as an introduction to the city’s character before they’ve even stepped outside the airport.

12/06/2026 First Post

Read More

Monkey sneaks past security into Delhi airport's T3 boarding area, video goes viral

A monkey made an unexpected appearance inside the boarding area of Terminal 3 at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, with a now-viral video showing officials scrambling to keep the animal from wandering further into one of the country's busiest and most secure aviation hubs.

The clip was shared on Instagram by user Nomad Khan, who claimed in the caption that the monkey had entered the international departures boarding area at IGI Airport's Terminal 3. "Security breach at T3 IGI airport Delhi. The monkey entered the highest security area in the boarding area of International Departures," the caption read.

In the video, the monkey could be seen hopping around the terminal while airport personnel attempted to corner it. However, the animal repeatedly managed to evade them, darting across the area before climbing onto the large glass windows overlooking the apron.

At one point, officials could be heard instructing others to "gate band karde" (close the gate), apparently to stop the monkey from venturing into other sections of the terminal.

The unusual sight left several passengers amused, with many pulling out their phones to record the incident. The video has since spread widely across social media, with users turning the monkey's surprise airport visit into a source of jokes and memes.

12/06/2026 India Today

Read More

Waiting for 2 yugas: Ayodhya did not have air connectivity for eons after Ram's return in 'Pushpak Viman': Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the ancient city of Ayodhya had to wait for thousands of years for air connectivity, since Lord Ram landed in his capital in the 'Pushpak Viman'.

After flagging off electric buses from Lucknow to Gautam Buddh Nagar and the inauguration of Noida Electric Bus Depot, the chief minister said Ayodhya now has an operational airport that is dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki.

"Perhaps Lord Shri Ram came to Ayodhya in the Pushpak Viman, but after that the residents of Ayodhya did not get air services for thousands of years. Ayodhya remained neglected for thousands of years and even after Independence it continued to face neglect," he said.

Further, Adityanath said "new Uttar Pradesh of new India" witnessed transformation, with the state having world-class road and air connectivity.

Recalling the time before 2017, he said that the state was struggling with poor infrastructure, law and order-related issues and security concerns.

"Before 2017, talking about investment in Uttar Pradesh was like a distant dream," he said.

12/06/2026 Deccan Herald

Read More

8000 bells, one awakening: Art arrives at Noida International Airport

At the soon-to-be-operational Noida International Airport in Jewar, whose design draws from the haveli architecture of western Uttar Pradesh, two monumental works by Paresh Maity invite travellers to pause amid transit.

Among the works is Jagriti , an 8-ftby-100-ft six-panel oil-on-canvas painting. Installed near the Check-In area for now and set to move closer to the Departures walkway once operations begin, the work traces India’s spiritual landscape through sites in Uttar Pradesh. Characteristic of Maity’s visual language is the play of light, which flows across the panels and binds them into one narrative. “ Jagriti , meaning awakening, is an ode to India’s rich heritage, aesthetics, natural beauty, architecture, art and spirituality,” says the artist, who spent nearly two years conceptualising the artwork.

12/06/2026 Shivika Manchanda/Times of India

Read More

CM calls for opening of Awantipora airport to civilian traffic in October

 New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, suggesting the opening of the strategic IAF airport at Awantipora in South Kashmir to civilian traffic in October.

The meetings come amid the scheduled closure of the Srinagar airport from October 1 to October 15.

Abdullah met the two Union ministers here separately and raised concerns over the planned closure of the Srinagar airport in October for runway repairs, officials said. 

During the meetings, Abdullah highlighted that a major inflow of tourists from West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra occurs during this period. The season is fondly called ‘Golden Kashmir’ because the leaves of the iconic Chinar trees turn golden-yellow.

He suggested that if the closure of the Srinagar airport is absolutely necessary, the alternative airfield at Awantipora should be opened for civilian traffic during that fortnight.

The chief minister is in the national capital to attend the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog.

Officials said that the Centre will explore options to avoid a total closure of the airport in October.

In 2010, the Awantipora airbase, which, like the Srinagar airport, is under the control of the Indian Air Force, was successfully used for civilian flights during previous runway repairs in Srinagar.

12/06/2026 PTI/Kashmir Images

Read More

How Emirates and Air India's Mandatory Insurance Shield Passengers from Extreme Travel Chaos

As paralyzing terminal bottlenecks, terrifying airspace closures, and catastrophic operational fragility violently threaten to completely shatter the global transit grid, a massive financial defense network is actively operating in the background to protect stranded travelers. In a harrowing era where sudden flight cancellations and extreme airport disruptions routinely plunge passengers into terrifying travel chaos, bold travel insurance coverage is no longer an optional luxury—it is an absolute, government-mandated imperative. Aggressively enforced by international law and sovereign directives, major carriers including Emirates, IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express are rigorously compelled to provide comprehensive liability insurance for death, injury, baggage loss, cargo, and third-party damages. By integrating this massive baseline protection directly into ticket prices, global regulators ensure that passengers are automatically and violently shielded from the devastating financial fallout of in-flight risks, agonizing delays, and systemic aviation meltdowns.Emirates airline news

In a brutal demonstration of how desperately international passengers require absolute financial security during operational collapses, this regulatory framework is rooted in the uncompromising standards of the Montreal Convention. With liability limits aggressively revised and increased in 2024, the law demands that compensation is automatically available without passengers begging for it. As frantic travelers navigate the crushing realities of modern airport disruptions, regulatory bodies—including India’s DGCA and the UAE’s GCAA—are actively threatening the immediate suspension of Air Operator Permits for any carrier failing to maintain active insurance certificates on board. This unapologetic enforcement posture guarantees that whether flying a premium flagship or a low-cost carrier, your journey is legally shielded against the worst of global travel chaos.

The terrifying crisis of overwhelming passenger stress currently testing international gateways brutally exposes the necessity of strict, government-mandated liability. Insurance obligations were not voluntarily invented by airlines seeking good PR; they were forcefully imposed by sovereign governments invoking international law to protect their citizens.

The Carriage by Air Act in India gives immense domestic power to the Montreal Convention, empowering courts to violently hold carriers accountable for death, injury, and devastating delays. Simultaneously, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have issued severe directives, mandating that policies must explicitly include coverage for war, terrorism, sabotage, and hijacking.

12/06/2026 Kunal K Choudhary/Nomad Lawyer

Read More

Nagaland seeks IIT, AIIMS and greenfield airport as CM Neiphiu Rio outlines growth roadmap

 Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on June 11 urged the Centre to support a series of major infrastructure and development projects, including the establishment of an IIT, an AIIMS and a greenfield airport at Ciethu, while presenting the state's growth roadmap at the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi.

Addressing the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the theme “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat @ 2047”, Rio said sustained central assistance was essential to accelerate Nagaland’s development and unlock its economic potential.

Making a case for greater investment in the state, Rio highlighted Nagaland’s recent achievements in governance and sustainable development. He said the state has emerged as a national leader in Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and pointed out that Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur featured among the top-performing districts in the Northeast District SDG Index 2.0.

The chief minister said Nagaland has adopted an SDG-linked budget architecture, a Gender Budget Statement and an Outcome Budgeting Framework to improve transparency, accountability and evidence-based governance.

Women-centric initiatives were a key focus of his presentation. Rio highlighted programmes such as the Innovation Seed Fund for nano women entrepreneurs and the Pink Scooty Taxi scheme, alongside efforts to strengthen water resilience, expand bamboo-based value chains and promote a green economy.

11/06/2026 India TodayNE

Read More

NH-415 amage near Donyi Polo airport remains unrepaired for over a year, commuters raise safety concerns

A damaged stretch of National Highway 415, a key road link connecting Holongi in Assam with Arunachal Pradesh’s capital Itanagar, has remained unrepaired for over a year, raising concerns among commuters and local residents over safety risks and administrative inaction.

The affected portion of the highway near Donyi Polo Airport was reportedly washed away in 2024, according to local residents, allegedly due to poor construction quality and the area’s vulnerability to erosion. The damaged section has since become a major bottleneck, affecting daily commuters as well as passengers travelling to and from the airport, which serves as an important gateway to Arunachal Pradesh.

Residents have alleged that despite repeated concerns being raised, the damaged portion continues to pose risks due to the absence of adequate safety measures, including proper warning signs, street lighting, and protective barriers. Vehicles are currently forced to negotiate through a restricted single-lane passage, increasing the possibility of accidents.

Nabam Nekhi, Gaon Burah of Holongi, criticised the delay in repair work and questioned the quality of the original construction. He said the highway is a crucial route connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and serves as the main access road to the state capital and Donyi Polo Airport.

11/06/2026 Yuvraj Mehta/India TodayNE

--------------------------------------

Read More

Hydroponic weed worth Rs 2.43 cr seized at airport

Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have seized 6.94 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at approximately Rs 2.43 crore, from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok.

According to Customs officials, the operation was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Terminal-3 of the airport. Acting on the basis of profiling, officers intercepted an Indian passenger who had arrived from Bangkok on June 9. The passenger was stopped for examination on June 10.

During X-ray screening and a detailed inspection of the passenger’s baggage, officials recovered eight polythene pouches containing a green-coloured substance suspected to be marijuana. The packets were concealed inside a black trolley bag.

The seized substance weighed 6,939.5 grams and was subjected to diagnostic testing, which prima facie confirmed it to be ganja/marijuana.

The passenger has been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and the narcotic substance, along with the packing material, has been seized. Customs officials said further investigation was on into the case.

12/06/2026 Tribune

----------------------------

Read More

Ludhiana's Halwara airport witnesses nearly 2,700 passengers in single week

A month after the launch of commercial operations, the Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport at Halwara is witnessing a strong response, handling nearly 350 passengers daily. If the trend continues, the airport is projected to serve more than 1.25 lakh passengers annually.

Barely a month into operations, the airport recorded close to 2,700 passengers between June 3 and June 10. According to data available with the authorities, the facility currently handles between 330 and 420 passengers on a full-service day across its two daily rotations — Delhi to Halwara and Halwara to Delhi.

Expressing satisfaction over the encouraging response, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said the figures underline the long-felt need for an airport serving Ludhiana and the surrounding region.

“The numbers from the first month show genuine demand rather than novelty traffic. Halwara has gone from being a long-awaited promise to a functioning gateway for Ludhiana’s industry, students and overseas families,” said Jain.

The busiest single flight movement of the week was the afternoon Delhi–Ludhiana service (AI483) on June 6, which brought 141 passengers to Halwara.

A total of 2,684 passengers travelled through the airport during the period, averaging around 335 passengers a day and peaking at 420. Officials believe the traffic pattern indicates significant use by business travellers making same-day trips to the national capital. The afternoon return flight (AI484) has also been recording strong occupancy, averaging close to 100 passengers.

11/06/2026 Shivani Bhakoo/Tribune

Read More

NCLT rejects SpiceJet former employee's plea to admit IBC against airline, shares rise 5%

Shares of SpiceJet rose 5% on June 12 after the Delhi bench of the National Company Law Tribunal Friday rejected former SpiceJet pilot Devesh Bbyan's plea to start insolvency proceedings against the airline.

Bbyan has filed a claim for Rs 1.7 crore towards unpaid employment dues for March 2020 to August 2022. The bench of judicial member Mahendra Khandelwal and technical member Anu Jagmohan said Bbyan's plea stood "dismissed".

Oil prices slumped to two-month lows on expectations of an impending agreement, which further boosted the bullish sentiment towards the airline stock. Brent crude futures dropped 1.8% at $88.76 per barrel, having fallen nearly 3% overnight.

At 11:35 am on June 12, SpiceJet shares were trading 4.95% higher at Rs 12.08 apiece.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a peace deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, hours after threatening more strikes on Iran. He said negotiations with Tehran had advanced to the highest levels of Iran's leadership and had been approved by a broad coalition of regional powers.

Trump's remarks follow repeated bouts of optimism from the president that have failed to yield a deal, keeping markets on edge. In this case too, Iran countered that it had not reached a final decision on an agreement.

The deal, if confirmed, would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough yet to end the three-month-old war, which sent global energy prices sharply higher. The European Central Bank had to raise interest rates for the first time in nearly three years on Thursday to nip war-...

12/06/2026 Moneycontrol

Read More

Bomb Threat On Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Turns Out To Be Hoax, 180 Passengers Deboarded At Lucknow

An IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Delhi was delayed after a handwritten note claiming a bomb was discovered inside the aircraft's lavatory shortly before takeoff. Security agencies evacuated all 180 passengers and conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft. No explosive material was found, and the threat was later declared a hoax. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for the false alarm. The incident follows a similar aviation security scare reported in Kerala a day earlier.

12/06/2026 Times of India

Read More

Akasa Air launches SkyCadet pilot training programme

Akasa Air has announced the launch of Akasa SkyCadet – a pilot training programme designed to develop future-ready commercial pilots through comprehensive aviation training aligned with DGCA regulations and the airline’s global operational standards.

The programme has been developed in collaboration with approved Flight Training Organisations namely: Skynex Aero and Dunes Aviation Academy. The programme is designed to nurture aspiring pilots by combining comprehensive aviation education, flight training, and airline-aligned preparedness, the airline said in a press statement.

India’s aviation sector continues to grow, with long-term growth expected to drive increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals and high-quality training infrastructure. The demand for skilled pilots is expected to rise significantly as Indian airlines continue to expand their fleets through some of the largest aircraft orders in global aviation. Indian carriers currently have an order of approximately 1,700 aircraft, while the country's commercial fleet is projected to nearly triple by 2035. Industry estimates suggest that today India has approx. 12,000 – 15,000 commercial pilots in India and by 2035 India will require around 35,000 pilots and approximately 45,000 new pilots across India and South Asia over the next two decades, creating substantial opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals.

Commenting on the launch, Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Akasa Air said, “India’s aviation industry is entering a phase of sustained long-term growth, and building a future-ready workforce will be critical to supporting this expansion responsibly. At Akasa Air, we have always believed that our people will be the cornerstone of our success. The Akasa SkyCadet Programme reflects our commitment to investing in talent from the grassroots level and creating structured pathways for aspiring pilots to build meaningful careers in aviation. Beyond technical capability, the programme is designed to instil a strong culture of safety, operational excellence, discipline, and service orientation – the values that define Akasa Air. As we continue to scale our operations, we are focused on nurturing skilled professionals who can grow with us and contribute to the future of Indian aviation.”

The programme provides an integrated and progressive learning pathway through three distinct phases:

Ground School: A comprehensive theoretical curriculum covering air regulations, navigation, meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, and human performance to prepare cadets for DGCA examinations and subsequent flight training.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Flight Training: Structured dual and solo flying training focused on building operational proficiency through navigation, instrument, and cross-country flying in accordance with DGCA and ICAO standards.

Type Rating on Boeing 737 MAX: Advanced simulator and aircraft systems training designed to prepare cadets for commercial jet operations on the Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

While the Akasa SkyCadet Pilot Programme focussing on freshers will strengthen long-term pilot pipeline in India, the airline will continue to hire CPL holders and B737 type-rated pilots to meet its growing talent requirements as it rapidly expands its fleet and operations.

 Applications for the Akasa SkyCadet Programme will be accepted through the airline’s career portal - https://www.akasaair.com/akasa-air-skycadet-programme

12/06/2026 Akasa Air

Read More

Air India crash final report delay expected due to unfinished engine analysis, source says

  Indian investigators are expected to delay issuing a ‌final report into a deadly Air India Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab 787 crash by the one-year anniversary on Friday, citing the need to complete an analysis of the plane's engines, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

The GE Aerospace-made (GE.N), opens new tab engines have been at the centre of the probe into the crash of the Air India plane shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which killed 260 people in ​the world's deadliest air disaster in a decade.

A preliminary report released last year showed the 787's engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from "RUN" to "CUTOFF," starving both engines ​of fuel shortly after the flight took off.

Investigators conducted engine testing in April and visited France last month as part of ⁠an analysis of the engine management unit, the source told Reuters on the condition of anonymity because the information is not public.

Earlier on Thursday, Bloomberg News reported the final ​report into the crash was expected within three months once studies of the engines, which had been sent to the U.S. for examination, were concluded.

Under international rules, a final ​report is due "if possible" within a year of an accident, but sometimes investigations take longer, so if that is not completed, an interim statement should be issued on each anniversary.

Reuters first reported last month that Indian officials were preparing an interim report rather than a final one ahead of the first anniversary because the investigation was deemed complex and time-consuming. At that time, a source told Reuters the ​timing of the final report had not been decided yet.

11/06/2026 Reuters

Read More

Air India's long history as it faces crisis of Ahmedabad crash

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India, one of its home country's largest airlines, crashed moments after take-off on Thursday on a flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, killing at least 30.

Air India was started by entrepreneur JRD Tata in 1932, before being taken over by the Indian government in 1953. Under the government, years of mismanagement and rising competition led to ballooning debts at the carrier.

Tata Group took over the airline's operations in a $2.2 billion deal in 2022, and has since tried to revive its fortunes.

Air India currently flies to 43 domestic and 41 international destinations. As of May, it operates 191 aircraft, a mix of narrow- and wide-body models from both Airbus and Boeing.

It is currently the country's only airline to fly non-stop to long-haul destinations, from Australia to Europe and North America.

Its low-cost unit, Air India Express, flies to 55 destinations in India and abroad, with a focus on the Middle East.

Tata Group merged Air India and Air India Express with its existing carriers Vistara and AIX Connect in November to form India's largest airline group after IndiGo. Air India has merged with Vistara, while Air India Express combined with AIX Connect.The airlines command a roughly 30% share of India's domestic aviation market. Singapore Airlines, which started full-service carrier Vistara with the Tatas, is a 25 per cent owner of the combined Air India Group.

11/06/2026 Reuters/Deccan Herald

Read More

We still look up when a plane flies by: Doctors and students relive AI171 tragedy

There is not a single person in the campus, who doesn't look up at the sky each time a flight takes off," said Dr Dwisha Poptani, a second-year resident at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Hospital, who was on duty at the post-mortem centre on June 12, 2025, when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner AI171 crashed 36 seconds after its take off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.

The 787 crashed right into the hostel blocks of the college, where students were having their lunch at 1.39 pm, leaving 19 students dead, and 67 with major injuries, while 241 out of the 242 on board the flight perished in the crash.

While the debris of the plane has been removed, and all those involved in the crash were accounted for, and their bodies handed over to their families after DNA testing, the affected structures still stand, a living reminder of the tragedy.

"I wasn't on campus during the incident, so I didn't know the extent of the damage. A few days after the crash, they let us inside the building to take out a few things. That's when we saw that the structure was completely charred," said Jeet Trivedi, a third-year student.

Out of the 19 students who died, many were friends or acquaintances of Trivedi. "Just a day before the crash, my mother had called me and told me to come home because she felt something was wrong, so I got to know about the crash was from friends, who forwarded videos of the incident."

Trivedi continued, "The videos which I saw were from a very close angle of the building, and were very disturbing. A friend of mine didn't go to the canteen as he was sleeping at the time of the crash, which saved him, but not everyone was lucky. As I am the representative of my class, I kept getting calls about whose body was found and who wasn't, and I was in contact with all of their parents."

11/06/2026 Madhulika Ram Kavattur/Mid Day

Read More

‘We still feel he’s abroad’ : For kin of last identified passenger victim, grief lingers at the door

For a year since the devastating crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, the Khimani family of Dahinsara village in Gujarat’s Kutch still struggles to speak of 35-year-old Anil Khimani in the past tense — grief has not arrived as a single moment of acceptance, but as a slow pain carried through unfinished conversations, unanswered calls and the unbearable silence left behind by a man who had stepped out of home believing he would return with better prospects for his family.

What remains, instead, are fragments — Anil’s daughters growing up without him, wife making attempts to reduce financial dependence, parents staring at the doorway a little too long, a brother replaying old conversations wondering whether one different decision could have changed everything. In the Khimani household, the silence after June 12 still refuses to die down.

“It still feels he’s settled abroad, somehow,” says his elder brother, Rakesh Khimani, his voice faltering between pauses. “Even today, sometimes it feels as though he may call or just barge through the gate into the courtyard…”

Anil was among the 260 persons — 241 persons on board and 19 on the ground – killed when Air India flight AI-171 crashed into a medical hostel complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area shortly after take off for London Gatwick last year. One passenger survived.

While families of many other victims had received the mortal remains of their departed loved ones within days, the Khimanis had waited in agony for weeks. Anil’s remains were so badly charred that forensic experts struggled to establish a DNA match. He became the last passenger victim to be identified on the occasion of Ashadi Beej — the Kutchi New Year — on June 27, 2025. Just a day before, losing hope and in search of a closure, the family had performed a symbolic funeral in Dahinsara, using an effigy wrapped in his clothes as advised by priests of the Swaminarayan sect, which the family is a part of.

11/06/2026 Aditi Raja/Indian Express

Read More

'Woman's Severed Hand With Fingers Pleading For Help': Forensic Scientist Recalls Victim's Image A Year After AI Crash

Gandhinagar: A woman's severed hand with fingers locked as if seeking help. This image has been etched in the memory of the H P Sanghvi, director of the Gujarat Directorate of Forensic Sciences in Gandhinagar even one year after the AI-171 crash. He and his team of 38 forensic scientists were tasked into identifying bodies that were beyond recognition.

On June 12, 2025, a London-bound Air India flight crashed into a hostel complex seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived.

The DST team spent sleepless nights, going through the biological samples to identify the victims and examining the shattered electronic devices pulled out from the ashes to extract whatever information they could. At the end of 15 days, the forensic scientists had successfully identified 142 victims.

Sanghvi said that the image of the severed hand is still fresh in his memory. "It looked as if she was pleading for help. Even now, a year later, we can still imagine the terror of the woman in those final moments," said Sanghvi.

Sanghvi said he was informed about the Ahmedabad flight crash through a mobile message during a meeting at the DFS headquarters in Gandhinagar and subsequently a round-the-clock operation ensued.

The DST mobilised DNA experts from laboratories across the state and rushed to secure additional chemical analysis kits and backup machinery. The laboratory received over 180 biological samples, many of which were severely compromised due to extreme heat and rapid burning. It made the extraction of viable tissue a monumental challenge, he said.

"The first samples arrived after midnight, and our teams managed to generate 100 DNA profiles within the first 100 hours," he recalled.

The usable DNAs were isolated from the severely charred tissues that require a delicate, 30-step technical process. They sometimes found that the cellular structures were destroyed due to intense heat and they had to restart the process.

To expedite the DNA analysis process, blood samples from victims' relatives were processed using modern technology that can generate a genetic profile in just 90 minutes.

However, the absence of immediate kin came as a hurdle in DNA matching as a 100 percent match is needed to confirm identity. In some cases, extended relatives were only available for comparison and this made the matching process far more complex, Sanghvi explained.

11/06/2026 ETV Bharat

Read More

Air India signs APU MRO deal with Lufthansa Technik

Air India and Lufthansa Technik have recently concluded a multi-year contract covering the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) of the Indian carrier’s growing Airbus A350 fleet. Under the agreement, comprehensive technical support will exclusively be provided for 40 Honeywell HGT1700 APUs, strengthening Lufthansa Technik’s leading position in maintenance for this APU type. All services will be carried out in the company’s specialized APU workshops in Hamburg, Germany.

As an official authorised warranty and maintenance provider for the Honeywell HGT1700 APU – designed exclusively for the Airbus A350 – Lufthansa Technik brings extensive technical expertise and certified capabilities to ensure optimal reliability and performance. The cooperation includes a comprehensive MRO service portfolio, covering spare APU support as well as engineering services.

Jeremy Yew Jin Kit, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Maintenance at Air India, said: “The signing of this exclusive long-term agreement marks another important milestone in Air India’s growing partnership with Lufthansa Technik. As India’s first Airbus A350 operator, we require a maintenance partner with extensive technical expertise and a strong track record in supporting next-generation aircraft systems. Lufthansa Technik’s capabilities in maintaining HGT1700 APUs provide us with the confidence and reliability needed to support our expanding A350 operations. Together with our ongoing Boeing 777 component support program, this agreement further reinforces our strong collaboration.”

11/06/2026 Asian Aviation

Read More

Air India flight AI-171 crash: Gujarat DGP recalls massive identification and rescue effort

Gandhinagar: Nearly a year after the Air India Flight AI-171 disaster in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik has detailed the extensive rescue, traffic management and victim identification operation undertaken in the aftermath of India’s deadliest aviation accident in decades.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

A total of 260 people died, including 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, while one passenger survived.

Speaking ahead of the first anniversary of the crash, Malik said he received the first information while at home because the crash site was located roughly 200 metres from his residence.

“People called and informed me that there had been explosions and smoke. Almost immediately, I was informed through the control room that an aircraft had crashed. I left immediately and reached the site before 2 p.m.,” he told IANS.

Malik described the scene as “extremely painful”, with rescue personnel recovering bodies amid the wreckage.

He said one of the first priorities was ensuring unhindered movement of ambulances and fire tenders.

“We created diversions and established green corridors for ambulances and fire tenders arriving from different parts of Ahmedabad. We knew Civil Hospital would come under pressure immediately after the crash, so arrangements were made there as well,” he said.

10/06/2026 ap7am.com

Read More

Pilot body flags possible 'electrical failure' in Air India Boeing 787 flight that crashed a year ago

The pilot body, Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), has claimed that the Air India aircraft suffered from a “plethora of problems," including electrical failures.

The federation urged investigators to include independent subject matter experts before arriving at a final conclusion, according to a report by News18.

FIP president Captain CS Randhawa said the organisation has consistently maintained that the Air India plane crash was linked to an electrical failure.

He claimed there were several gaps in the preliminary investigation report. According to him, the aircraft had arrived from Delhi with a stabiliser problem, following which the motors were replaced before it was declared fit for service, News18 reported.

Further alleging that the aircraft had electrical issues, Randhawa argued that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) evidence cited in the preliminary report covered only two seconds, adding that “Western media picked it up as a deliberate attempt."

“Of late, we have learnt that there have been ACARS messages. So we found that there are a lot of messages which have been transmitted and of which no mention was made whatsoever in the preliminary report by the AAIB," he said, News18 reported.

Randhawa further alleged that Boeing 787 aircraft have experienced multiple technical issues, including problems with the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), batteries and instances of water flooding in the electronic bay located behind the cockpit. He claimed there have also been glitches involving the 787 with other airlines.

The FIP chief called for greater technical expertise and independence in the investigation process and rejected the what he described as the “pilot suicide theory" that gained traction after portions of the cockpit transcript were reported by sections of the Western media.

11/06/2026 Moneycontrol

Read More

'Only two seconds of CVR': Pilots body rejects pilot suicide theory in Air India crash, seeks judicial probe

A pilots’ association has called for a judicial probe into last year’s Air India Flight 171 crash, alleging serious gaps in the ongoing investigation and strongly rejecting suggestions that the tragedy may have been caused by deliberate action by the pilots.

The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight 171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. A total of 241 people lost their lives in one of India’s worst aviation disasters.

Addressing a press conference, Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) president Capt CS Randhawa said that there were several unanswered questions in the preliminary investigation report and argued that a judicial inquiry was necessary to establish the truth behind the crash.

Addressing a press conference, Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) president Capt CS Randhawa said that there were several unanswered questions in the preliminary investigation report and argued that a judicial inquiry was necessary to establish the truth behind the crash.

Randhawa said that the aircraft was equipped with two black boxes, one located in the nose section and another in the tail.

According to him, the front black box suffered comparatively less damage despite the front section experiencing more intense burning. The tail black box, however, was reportedly more severely damaged. He said that these aspects required closer examination by independent experts.

The pilots’ body strongly criticised reports in sections of the Western media that suggested a pilot suicide theory based on cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcripts.

“We condemn that,” the representatives said, alleging that details from the investigation were leaked to foreign media, which then promoted conclusions that had not been established by investigators.

Captain Randhawa said that the preliminary report relied on only about two seconds of cockpit voice recorder data and drawing conclusions from such limited information was inappropriate.

11/06/2026 First Post

Read More

Air India Ahmedabad Crash Probe Likely to Extend Past Anniversary as Engine Analysis Drags on

Indian investigators are expected to delay the final report into the Air India Boeing 787 crash past its one-year anniversary on June 12, citing the need to complete an analysis of the aircraft's engines, Reuters reported.

The June 12, 2025 crash, which killed 260 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, was one of the world's deadliest air disaster in a decade and the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The GE Aerospace-made engines have been central to the investigation. A preliminary report released last year showed the 787's engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from "RUN" to "CUTOFF," cutting fuel supply to both engines shortly after takeoff, the report added.

Investigators conducted engine testing in April and visited France last month as part of an analysis of the engine management unit, as per Reuters.

Notably, Bloomberg recently reported that the final report was expected within three months, once studies on the engines — sent to the United States for examination — were concluded. Under international rules, a final accident report is due within a year, but if that deadline is not met, an interim statement must be issued on each anniversary. Reuters had reported last month that Indian officials were preparing an interim report, given the investigation's complexity.

A cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots before the crash supported early assessments by US officials that the captain had cut fuel flow to the engines, Reuters reported last year. The AAIB said at the time it was "too early to reach any definite conclusions."

The captain's father has since petitioned the Supreme Court to order an independent investigation considering causes beyond deliberate pilot action. On June 5, the Federation of Indian Pilots wrote to the civil aviation minister, the aviation regulator and the Prime Minister's Office requesting that an interim report not be released, according to a letter seen by Reuters. The group also urged investigators to seek additional technical data from Boeing and Air India to allow for a "rebuttal of the pilot suicide theory being explored by the AAIB."

11/06/2026 Outlook

Read More

Sole Air India crash survivor ‘struggling financially’ after receiving just £21k to support young family

 The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash which killed 241 has called for "honesty, transparency and answers" one year on.

Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, whose brother died in the crash, said he "lives with the significant psychological scars".

The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner smashed into a medical college after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport, killing everyone on board except 39-year-old Mr Ramesh.

Among the victims were 169 Indian passengers and 52 British nationals, one of the deadliest for Britons. Beyond flight AI171, 19 others died and 67 were seriously injured.

Mr Ramesh, who has lived in Leicester for more than 20 years, previously said the death of his brother Ajay “took all my happiness” after describing it as a “miracle” that he survived.

In a short statement 12 months on from the crash, he told the Press Association: “What many people perhaps don’t fully appreciate is that the trauma didn’t end on the day of the disaster.

“I live with the significant psychological scars, the loss of my brother, and the constant unanswered questions around how and why this happened.

“I know those questions are not just on my mind — they are on the minds of every affected family.

“More than anything, people need honesty, transparency and answers. Nothing will ever change what happened, but families deserve clarity.”

Investigators have yet to publish their final findings into the cause of the crash.

A preliminary report into the incident from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau found both of the plane’s fuel switches moved to the “cut-off” position “immediately” after take-off, stopping fuel supply to the engine.

Mr Ramesh met with Air Accident Investigators in Ahmedabad in March, his representative Sanjiv Patel said.

11/06/2026 Josh Payne/Independent

Read More

Security alert at Kannur airport after note 'misinterpreted' as bomb threat

A note "misinterpreted" as a bomb threat by the cabin crew of a Mumbai-Kannur IndiGo flight that landed at the international airport here on Wednesday triggered an emergency alert and a full-scale security response.

The note was found in a waste bin inside one of the lavatories of the aircraft that landed at the airport around 3.20 pm. Following the discovery, the cabin crew informed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and other authorities, police said.

An emergency alert was issued at the airport and after landing, the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for security checks. The bomb and dog squad teams conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft, but nothing suspicious was found, they said.

Police said the note did not contain a bomb threat and it was "misinterpreted" by the cabin crew.

11/06/2026 PTI/Business Standard

Read More

Flight service resumes at Kalaburagi Airport

Air connectivity between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru was restored on Wednesday with Star Air resuming its flight service on the route after it was made possible through financial support extended by the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB).

The resumption of flight services was marked by a simple function at Kalaburagi Airport with Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Chairman and Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima and Afzalpur MLA M.Y. Patil formally launching them.

They distributed tickets to members of the family of Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) president Sharanabasappa Pappa who were among the passengers on the inaugural flight from Kalaburagi.

The 76-seat Star Air flight arrived at Kalaburagi Airport at 7.40 a.m. after leaving Bengaluru at 6.30 a.m. with 74 passengers on board. The return flight left Kalaburagi at 8.10 a.m. carrying 50 passengers.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, KKRDB Chairman Ajay Singh said that the restoration of air services will help boost tourism, investment and economic activity in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

10/06/2026 The Hindu

Read More

MP Air Ambulance Airlifts 60 Indore Patients Free Under Ayushman Scheme

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Over the past two years, around 60 patients from Indore have been airlifted to super-speciality hospitals in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad via the Chief Minister’s Air Ambulance Service and the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

The initiative has transformed emergency medical transport in Madhya Pradesh, making critical care accessible to those who previously could not afford it.

Earlier, air ambulance services were considered a luxury, with costs running into lakhs of rupees.

Thanks to these government programs, economically disadvantaged patients can now avail the facility free of cost. 

Data from the Health Department shows that about 50 per cent of the transported patients received the service free under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, ensuring timely care for the needy.

Experts emphasise the significance of the 'Golden Hour' - the first few hours after severe trauma, cardiac, or neurological emergencies. Rapid air transport during this period can dramatically improve survival chances.

Air ambulances enable patients to reach super-speciality hospitals within this crucial window, bridging the gap between life-threatening emergencies and advanced medical care.

10/06/2026 Free Press Journal

Read More

Noida International Airport conducts final ORAT turnaround trial with IndiGo

 Noida International Airport (NIA) successfully conducted a full-scale aircraft turnaround trial on 9th June 2026 as part of its Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) programme, in collaboration with IndiGo and key airport partners.

The trial simulated a complete aircraft turnaround on the airside, testing the end-to-end coordination of systems, processes and stakeholders. The exercise included the use and validation of critical infrastructure such as Visual Docking Guidance Systems (VDGS), Passenger Boarding Bridges, Ground Power, as well as integrated baggage handling and cargo processes. In-flight catering and other ground handling activities were also tested, with refuelling scenarios evaluated as part of the operational preparedness framework. As a part of the trial, re-validation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach procedures was conducted.

The turnaround trial forms part of a series of advanced ORAT exercises designed to ensure seamless coordination across all operational interfaces ahead of the commencement of commercial operations on 15th June 2026.

11/06/2026 Odisha Diary 

Read More

IndiGo issues travel advisory for West Asia, urges passengers to check flight status

IndiGo Airlines on Thursday issued a travel advisory expressing concern for passengers amid tensions in West Asia. The airline urged customers to track its official social media channels for updates on flight status.

In a post on X, IndiGo said it is closely monitoring developments and remains in coordination with the relevant authorities. It further stated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its top priority.

The airline also appealed for patience and understanding, assuring that it will continue to share updates as the situation evolves. It said, "We understand that the evolving situation in West Asia may be causing concern for customers travelling to and from the region. Please be assured that we are closely monitoring developments and remain in constant coordination with the relevant authorities. The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority."

It further added, "For real-time updates, please follow our official social media channels and check the Flight Status page. We appreciate your patience and understanding and will continue to share updates as the situation evolves."

Earlier on June 5, IndiGo had issued a travel advisory stating that all flights operating to and from Kuwait would remain suspended until further notice due to the continued closure of Kuwaiti airspace and guidance from the Kuwaiti authorities.In a post on X, the airline said it regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers and reiterated that the safety of customers and crew remains its highest priority.

11/06/2026 ANI/Business Line

Read More

Passenger Questions Rs 40,000 Deduction After IndiGo Cancels Flight, Airline Responds

There is nothing quite as disruptive as the sinking feeling of a last-minute flight cancellation. When airlines cancel services without adequate passenger support, the immediate fallout can leave travellers upset. One such incident involved a woman who booked an IndiGo flight via MakeMyTrip for her journey from Mumbai to Bali and back. The woman, Kanika Mohan Saxena, who works as the VP Digital for Vodafone, shared a lengthy post on LinkedIn highlighting the ordeal she allegedly endured after the airline cancelled her flight multiple times.

In her post, the passenger mentioned that she had booked return tickets from Mumbai to Bali for travel on July 3. The total transaction value was Rs 1,02,928, according to payment screenshots shared by her.

However, she revealed that she received a notification from the airline last week stating that the IndiGo flight had been cancelled and her itinerary had been replaced with an alternative option involving an 18-hour layover. As the arrangement seemed “not viable” to her, she reached out to customer care for assistance.

Despite being informed that there were no alternative options available, Kanika said her travel agent identified other flight options, after which she was rebooked on a Mumbai–Singapore–Bali route. However, that flight was also cancelled.

“A few days later (Friday), that itinerary was again rescheduled/cancelled…I then spent hours on calls with customer service trying to find a resolution at IndiGo. During these conversations, I was informed that I would receive a full refund because the cancellation originated from the airline and not from me,” she wrote, adding that the MakeMyTrip chatbot also confirmed a full refund.

There is nothing quite as disruptive as the sinking feeling of a last-minute flight cancellation. When airlines cancel services without adequate passenger support, the immediate fallout can leave travellers upset. One such incident involved a woman who booked an IndiGo flight via MakeMyTrip for her journey from Mumbai to Bali and back. The woman, Kanika Mohan Saxena, who works as the VP Digital for Vodafone, shared a lengthy post on LinkedIn highlighting the ordeal she allegedly endured after the airline cancelled her flight multiple times.

In her post, the passenger mentioned that she had booked return tickets from Mumbai to Bali for travel on July 3. The total transaction value was Rs 1,02,928, according to payment screenshots shared by her.

However, she revealed that she received a notification from the airline last week stating that the IndiGo flight had been cancelled and her itinerary had been replaced with an alternative option involving an 18-hour layover. As the arrangement seemed “not viable” to her, she reached out to customer care for assistance.

Despite being informed that there were no alternative options available, Kanika said her travel agent identified other flight options, after which she was rebooked on a Mumbai–Singapore–Bali route. However, that flight was also cancelled.

“A few days later (Friday), that itinerary was again rescheduled/cancelled…I then spent hours on calls with customer service trying to find a resolution at IndiGo. During these conversations, I was informed that I would receive a full refund because the cancellation originated from the airline and not from me,” she wrote, adding that the MakeMyTrip chatbot also confirmed a full refund.

However, she later received a message stating that only Rs 67,334 would be refunded. 

11/06/2026 NDTV

Read More

Rs 1.37 cr gold seized at Bengaluru airport, passenger arrested

Bengaluru: Customs officials at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport have seized nearly 900 grams of smuggled gold worth Rs 1.37 crore from a passenger who arrived from Dubai and arrested him under the Customs Act.

According to officials, the accused had attempted to smuggle 899.50 grams of 24-carat gold into the country in a concealed form. The passenger was intercepted after customs officers noticed suspicious behaviour during routine checks.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had hidden gold paste inside four capsules in an attempt to evade detection. However, a detailed examination by customs officials exposed the smuggling attempt.

The seized gold has been valued at approximately Rs 1.37 crore.

Authorities have taken the accused into custody and further interrogation is underway to determine whether he was part of a larger smuggling network.

10/06/2026 Siasat

Read More

Rs 16.76 crore relief for 113 families affected by Gaggal airport expansion

The Himachal Government has approved Rs 16.76 crore to assist 113 families running businesses on government land in the vicinity of the Kangra-Gaggal Airport.

Congress deputy chief whip Kewal Singh Pathania announced today that the state government was providing fair compensation to landowners for the Gaggal airport’s expansion. In addition, the government had approved Rs 16.76 crore, on humanitarian grounds, for 113 families running shops and businesses on nearby government land, he said. The airport expansion was expected to significantly boost tourism in the region, he said.

Pathania expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for adopting this compassionate approach. He said this was perhaps the first such case in the country where people running businesses on government land were being provided financial assistance by the government in connection with the acquisition project.

Pathania said during the CM’s visit to the district, several delegations had met him and requested financial assistance for these shopkeepers.

“The expansion of Gaggal airport will increase the inflow of high-end tourists to Kangra district and create new employment opportunities for the local people, bringing significant economic benefits to the area,” he said.

11/06/2026 Tribune

Read More

Bengaluru Airport City to get state-of-the-art convention and exhibition hub by 2031; Prestige Group to invest Rs 1,800 crore

Prestige Group and Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL) on June 11 unveiled plans for a large integrated destination within Bengaluru Airport City, anchored by a convention and exhibition centre and supported by hospitality, commercial and lifestyle infrastructure.

The project, involving an investment of around Rs 1,800 crore by Prestige Group, is expected to commence construction by early 2027, with inauguration targeted for the first quarter of 2031.

The development will include a state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre, luxury hotels under the St Regis and Marriott Marquis brands, premium office space, a performing arts centre, destination retail and curated food and beverage offerings.

Located within Bengaluru Airport City, project is aimed at serving global travellers, event organisers, businesses and visitors while strengthening Bengaluru's position as a global business and hospitality destination.

Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), told reporters that the convention centre would serve as the centrepiece of the Airport City's mixed-use development.

"As part of the airport concession agreement, we have nearly 4,000 acres of land, of which around 400 acres have been earmarked for Airport City. The vision is to create a hub for business, culture, hospitality, entertainment and economic activity in north Bengaluru," Marar said.

11/06/2026 Moneycontrol

Read More