Noida Airport: AERA Fixes UDF for Passengers

Airports tariff regulator AERA on Tuesday fixed the user development fee for the Noida International Airport at Rs 490 for departing domestic passengers and Rs 980 for departing international passengers.

The User Development Fee (UDF) is fixed for the 2026-27 period.

For arriving domestic passengers, the fee will be Rs 210, while for arriving international passengers, the amount will be Rs 420, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) said in a release.

The Noida International Airport (NIA), inaugurated on March 28, will start commercial operations on June 15.

The AERA said UDF for each departing domestic passenger has been fixed at Rs 490 per passenger, as against Rs 653 proposed by the airport operator YIAPL.

For each departing international passenger, the UDF is Rs 980, which is lower than the Rs 1,200 sought by the operator.

"These rates are the same as decided in the ad-hoc tariff order issued in August 2025," the AERA said.

The airports tariff regulator has approved the tariffs for the first control period (2026-2031), during which the UDF will gradually increase for departing as well as arriving domestic and international passengers.

Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, under the public-private partnership, will be operating the airport.

The AERA said the fee fixed for NIA is comparable to the national average of UDF at major airports and also well within the range of UDF currently levied at non-major airports.

To encourage airlines to start new routes, increase flights and expand their network from the airport in the early years, AERA said it has allowed a Variable Tariff Plan (VTP) for the airport.

13/05/2026  Rediff Money

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Three Times Bigger! Srinagar Airport To Get Mega New Terminal Under Rs 1,000-Crore Upgrade

With Jammu and Kashmir emerging as a tourism magnet, the Modi government is planning a major upgrade for the Srinagar airport at a cost of nearly Rs 1,000 crore. The project will see a new passenger terminal building come up, nearly three times the size of the current building, along with an extended apron that will be able to accommodate 15 aircraft in parking bays.

CNN-News18 has accessed a document of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) that mentions these details. The existing passenger terminal building at Srinagar is spread across an area of 20,659 sqm. The new terminal building will be spread over 51,500 sqm, along with a 20,000 sqm basement. The airport currently has nine aircraft bays and will have 15 bays in the future. This will help meet the ever-increasing passenger traffic and demand at Srinagar airport, according to the document.

The Srinagar airport belongs to the Indian Air Force. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) maintains a civil enclave comprising the passenger terminal building, civil apron and allied infrastructure. The total existing land area of the civil enclave is 73.10 acres.

“Modification and expansion of the existing passenger terminal building and a multi-level car park and allied works is required to meet the growing traffic demand," the document says while seeking project consultancy for the project.

The site of the new terminal building is adjacent to the existing terminal building at Srinagar airport. The existing terminal building has an area of 20,659 sqm, with a capacity to handle 950 passengers during peak hour (PHP). During 2024-25, the airport handled a total of 28,494 aircraft movements and annual passenger traffic of 4.47 million.

13/05/2026 Aman Sharma/News18.com

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Cabinet approves Nagpur Airport modernisation under PPP model

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the upgradation and modernisation of Nagpur International Airport through a long-term licence involving a private partner under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The approval includes the extension of the lease period of land owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and leased to MIHAN India Limited (MIL) beyond August 6, 2039. The move will enable MIL to grant a 30-year concession to GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

The decision marks a key development in the expansion of Nagpur airport under the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project.

MIL was formed in 2009 as a joint venture between AAI and Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), with an equity structure of 49:51. While airport assets were transferred to MIL in 2009, execution of the lease deed was delayed due to land demarcation issues. Subsequently, AAI land was leased to MIL till August 2039.

In 2016, MIL issued a global tender to identify a private operator for the airport under the PPP model. GMR Airports Limited emerged as the highest bidder with an initial quoted revenue share of 5.76 per cent, later revised to 14.49 per cent of gross revenue.

The bidding process was annulled by MIL in March 2020, following which GMR Airports challenged the decision before the Bombay High Court. The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of GMR Airports in September 2024. Following the verdict, MIL signed a concession agreement with GNIAL on October 8, 2024.

13/05/2026 DD India

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'Kaddu', Beloved Delhi Airport Dog Missing For Months, Found Safe In Dwarka

Kaddu, a stray dog loved by frequent flyers and staff at Indira Gandhi International Airport, has been found safe in the Dwarka region. The news was shared on social media by user Tanya, who posted a video of Kaddu, with the caption, "Kaddu has been found. After months of relentless searching, she's finally safe." Kaddu is reportedly one of the two dogs missing from the Delhi airport. The video of the dog instantly triggered emotional reactions from animal lovers who had followed the case for weeks. However, NDTV can't confirm when exactly the dog was found.

Animal welfare group 'Save Delhi NCR Dogs' shared another reunion clip on Instagram showing a woman activist breaking down in tears after spotting Kaddu. "We have the best news ever to share: Kaddu, our beloved airport dog, has been found! After days of searching, tireless trekking, and holding onto hope, Kaddu is safe and sound," the group wrote.

While reacting to the video, social media users called it the "best news of the day," praising volunteers who combed parts of Delhi to trace the dog. Activists confirmed Kaddu is now receiving care, rest, and medical attention.

13/05/2026 NDTV

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After Cabinet's Nod, This Maharashtra Airport Is Poised To Become Central India’s Key Aviation Hub

Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is set for a major transformation after the Union Cabinet approved a key proposal that clears the way for the development of a world-class aviation hub in Central India.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the extension of the lease period of Airports Authority of India (AAI) land leased to MIHAN India Limited (MIL) beyond August 6, 2039. The move enables MIL to hand over the airport to GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) under a 30-year concession agreement from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

The decision marks a major milestone for the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project, which aims to transform Nagpur into a major passenger and cargo aviation centre.

With the lease extension now aligned with GNIAL’s 30-year concession period, authorities said the project can move ahead without legal or operational hurdles. Officials expect the development to bring large-scale investment, modern infrastructure, and improved passenger and cargo handling facilities to the airport.

13/05/2026 Saurabh Verma/News18.com

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FLY91 enhances frequency on Rajahmundry and Vijayawada to Hyderabad routes from May 16

Following an overwhelming response from passengers on its Rajahmundry-Hyderabad and Vijayawada-Hyderabad routes, pure play regional airline FLY91 will increase the frequency on both routes from the current two flights daily to three flights daily with the convenience of the same day return. The airline had commenced operations on both sectors last month and the additional flights will commence from May 16.

The enhanced services are set to mark another step in FLY91’s commitment to strengthening regional air connectivity across Andhra Pradesh by offering reliable, trustworthy, safe and convenient travel options between key tier-2 cities and Hyderabad. The move is a step towards continuing to strengthen its regional footprint under its ‘BharatUnbound’ vision.

Commenting on the enhanced connectivity, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91, said, “The increase to thrice daily flights reflects the growing demand for dependable regional connectivity in Andhra Pradesh. FLY91 is committed to strengthening regional air connectivity across Andhra Pradesh while bringing people, businesses and communities closer.”

12/05/2026 TravelBizMonitor

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Bombay High Court Refuses Arbitration Shield to Juhu Airport Restaurant Operators; Clears Way for Eviction Proceedings

In a major relief to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Bombay High Court has ruled that disputes relating to eviction from airport premises cannot be resolved through private arbitration, holding that such matters fall exclusively under the special mechanism created by the Airports Authority of India Act.

The ruling came in petitions filed by Survee Foods Private Limited and its associates, who were operating restaurant and hangout facilities at Juhu Airport under seven-year concession agreements executed in 2024. The operators had approached the High Court after AAI terminated their licences in March 2025.

AAI had alleged that the allotment of the land itself was unauthorized, that the petitioners had encroached upon restricted airport areas within the boundary wall, and that illegal constructions had attracted notices from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.

The petitioners argued before the Court that the termination was illegal and that the dispute was commercial in nature, making it suitable for arbitration under the agreement between the parties. They sought appointment of an arbitrator and continuation of interim protection that had allowed them to continue operations since June 2025.

12/05/2026 Chaitraly Deshmukh/Pune Mirror

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Jewar airport is unattractive and costlier for passengers, say airlines

India’s newest greenfield airport project, the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, is staring at a fresh challenge even before commercial operations begin.

India’s largest airlines -- IndiGo and Air India -- have raised serious concerns before the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority over the airport’s proposed aeronautical tariffs, calling them excessively high and commercially unsustainable.

The concerns come after the airport operator submitted its tariff proposal to AERA for consultation. Airlines argue that while Uttar Pradesh’s 1% VAT on aviation turbine fuel was initially expected to make operations cheaper at Jewar, the proposed airport charges could completely negate that benefit and even make flying from Jewar significantly more expensive than Delhi.

According to IndiGo, aeronautical charges proposed at Jewar are “considerably higher” compared to Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The airline stated that domestic landing charges at Jewar are 119% higher than Delhi airport, while the proposed domestic User Development Fee (UDF) is more than 400% higher.

IndiGo highlighted that parking charges too remain steep. For instance, parking an Airbus A321 aircraft with a 97 metric tonne maximum take-off weight for six hours would cost approximately ₹8,000 at Jewar, compared to about ₹6,900 at Delhi airport. While this is still cheaper than some international airports like Dubai, the airline argues that the comparison should be with Delhi, which serves the same NCR catchment.

Meanwhile, Air India echoed similar concerns in its own submission to AERA.

The Tata Group-owned airline said the proposed charges at Jewar “remain on the high side” and warned that passengers in NCR would inevitably find the airport more expensive compared to Delhi airport once airfare, tolls, cab fares and longer travel times are factored in.

Air India recommended that the UDF be kept lower and costs be spread over a longer period to avoid burdening passengers in the initial years.

12/05/2026 Madeeha Mujawar/CNBC TV18

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Cial air cargo registers 10% growth

Kochi: Amid operational disruptions and geopolitical tensions in West Asia this year, Cochin International Airport Limited (Cial) recorded a 10% growth in cargo operations.

"In FY 2025–26, Cial handled 72,178 metric tonnes of cargo, of which nearly 76% comprised international cargo, marking an increase of around 10% compared to previous year," a spokesperson said.

Consequently, the revenue from the cargo segment rose to Rs 52.84 crore. The surge in cargo volumes was mainly driven by higher movement of perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial consignments and e-commerce shipments through Cial's expanding cargo network.

09/05/2026 Times of India

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Sell fish, meat around Ahmedabad airport, face 3 months’ jail: Civic body shuts market to prevent bird strikes

The Holi Chakla area on Civil Hospital Road, where one can see the underbelly of planes taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, is also known for its bustling fish market. Earlier this week, however, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) banned the sale of fish and meat in the Chamanpura fish market and the Holi Chakla area in an attempt to tackle an over-decade-old problem. Violations of the ban could attract up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000.

The move came in response to repeated safety concerns raised by airport authorities. The concerns were heightened after the Air India crash last year that killed 260 people on June 12, when a Boeing 737 headed to London crashed minutes before take-off.

The civic body has directed vendors operating in this temporary fish market, barely 5-7 kilometres from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI), to stop selling fish if they do not want to relocate.

On Thursday, the AMC put up boards in these areas imposing the ban under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, stating, “Fish, chicken and meat attract birds like hawks and vultures which increases chances of bird strikes with airplanes. Since the said area is a plane take-off and landing way, as per Section 25 (2) of The Indian Aviation Act-2024 and Rules 91 of The Aircraft Rules-1937, in order to prevent any disaster from happening here within a radius of 10 km from the aerodrome reference point, it is hereby expressly prohibited to allow vendors and shopkeepers selling fish and meat in the said place.”

The temporary fish market in Asarwa falls in the funnel area of the airport route that involves landings and take-offs, and has been controversial since 2012 due to bird activity. With women mostly engaged in vending, and the market being temporary, no concrete steps had been taken until now.

10/05/2026 Ritu Sharma/Indian Express

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Noida International Airport may lose fare edge over IGI despite UP’s fuel tax relief

 Air passengers hoping for cheaper flights from the newly inaugurated Noida International Airport may end up paying fares similar to — or potentially higher than — those from Indira Gandhi International Airport, as higher airport tariffs and passenger charges at the new airport offset Uttar Pradesh’s low tax on aviation fuel.

With commercial operations at Noida International Airport (NIA) set to begin next month, airlines and local representatives have raised concerns over the airport’s pricing structure, according to a report by The Times of India.

Despite Uttar Pradesh levying just 1% VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), compared to Delhi’s 25%, interim passenger user charges and aeronautical fees at NIA are significantly higher than those at Delhi airport, effectively wiping out the expected fare advantage for travellers.

The issue has already begun reflecting in ticket prices. IndiGo, the first airline to announce services from NIA, is charging nearly identical one-way nonstop fares on June 24 from both airports. Flights to Bengaluru are priced at Rs 8,910 from both Delhi and Noida, while Hyderabad fares stand at Rs 6,129, Jammu at Rs 6,999, and Amritsar at Rs 3,499, according to the ToI report.

IndiGo has formally objected to the tariff structure before the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), warning that the higher charges “will make overall fares paid by passengers travelling to and from NIA higher than IGIA”.

10/05/2026 Economic Times

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In 16 days, 50 pvt aircraft landed at airport

 Kolkata: Kolkata airport has witnessed an unprecedented number of flights in just over a fortnight starting from the election campaign hitting a fever pitch between the first and second phase of elections in Bengal and Saturday's oath-taking ceremony that was attended by the Prime Minister, home minister, defence minister and chief ministers of several BJP-ruled states. Kolkata airport officials said at least 50 private flights have operated to Kolkata during this period.

"On Friday and Saturday, nine private aircraft flew in dignitaries for the mega-event at the Brigade Parade Ground. This is in addition to the special Indian Air Force aircraft in which PM Narendra Modi arrived. Defence minister Rajnath Singh touched down in a BSF aircraft. Kolkata airport has not handled so many dignitaries on a single day in a long time," an airport official said.

While Union Home minister Amit Shah and Odisha CM Mohan Charan were the first to arrive on Thursday, 15 dignitaries arrived on Friday. Four VIPs arrived on Saturday apart from the PM, who reached Kolkata in the special IAF flight.

Among those who arrived for the oath-taking ceremony a day earlier were Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Tripura CM Manik Saha, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde, MP deputy CM Rajendra Shukla and Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

10/05/2026 Subhro Niyogi/Times of India

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MIA hosts II PUC toppers for behind-the-scenes aviation visit

Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) recently hosted II PUC toppers from science, arts and commerce streams across Dakshina Kannada district for an exclusive experiential visit, offering them a behind-the-scenes glimpse into airport operations.

The visit was organised to mark the city’s tryst with civil aviation 75 years ago, when the first aircraft carrying then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru landed at the Bajpe aerodrome on Dec 25, 1951. The airport has lined up various programmes throughout the year to mark the platinum jubilee of the historic event, culminating in a finale planned in Dec 2026.

The initiative aimed to inspire young achievers by offering a ringside view of the aviation ecosystem, from terminal operations to critical airside functions. During the visit, students were introduced to key passenger-journey touchpoints, including security procedures, airline and terminal operations, and the role of the Aviation Security Group within the Central Industrial Security Force.

Students also gained insights into the airport’s focus on passenger experience, learning how terminal operations are designed to ensure comfort, efficiency and satisfaction. A key highlight was their interaction with operational units such as Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) and Air Traffic Control.

10/05/2026 ET Infra

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India’s aviation growth needs strong regulation before ATC privatisation

Recent reports suggest that the GOI proposes to privatise Air Traffic Control (ATC) services. Separating Air Navigation Services (ANS) — of which ATC is a component —from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and creating a separate corporation under the Government has been debated since 2007, enabling the corporation to use its Air Navigation Charges income to modernise Air Navigation Systems and meet growing aviation demand.

Eventually, in 2015, the proposal was withdrawn, with a decision to separately account for the ANS components of AAI’s revenue and to have a full-time Member (ANS) on the AAI Board. Thus, ANS remains a function of AAI, a Government body, at all airports. Now, the government seems to be pondering the idea of privatisation rather than corporatising ANS under Government control. Against this background, let us examine the issues of interest to an inquisitive common air passenger.

Article 28 of the Chicago Convention mandates the provision of airports and AirNavigation Services within the territory of each contracting state in accordance with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). However, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) does not mandate that the ownership and management of ANS must remain solely under the state. Thus, the ownership and management of ANS may be delegated to a statutory autonomous body, a corporate body, or even the private sector.

10/05/2026 B V Surya Bhagavanulu/Hans India

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Airport hotels fuel hospitality growth as India expands aviation infrastructure

New Delhi: India's expanding aviation infrastructure is emerging as a major catalyst for growth in the hospitality sector, with leading hotel chains ramping up investments in airport-linked properties amid rising air traffic, improved regional connectivity and the development of new urban corridors.

According to hotel industry executives, the surge in greenfield airports and improving connectivity to tier-II and tier-III cities is creating strong momentum for hotels located near airports, which cater to business travellers, transit passengers, airline crew and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) traffic.

Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, of Radisson Hotel Group, told PTI that airport hotels are emerging as a high-growth segment within the hospitality industry as India accelerates airport infrastructure development.

"The rapid expansion of airport infrastructure across India, particularly greenfield developments, is positioning airport hotels as a high-growth segment within the hospitality sector," Sharma said.

"As air connectivity improves, we are seeing a clear rise in demand for well-located hotels that cater to transit passengers, airline crew, and business travellers seeking convenience, efficiency, and seamless access to key commercial hubs," he added.

10/05/2026 PTI/Economic Times

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Bengaluru's 2nd airport likely on twin plots on Kankapura Road

As plans for the city’s second airport gain steam, government agencies appear increasingly inclined towards southern Bengaluru, a preference publicly articulated by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

And plans are also being considered to merge the two shortlisted locations on Kanakapura Road — in the south — into one one “perfect land parcel” that fits the airport’s requirements with fewer airspace restrictions and better connectivity.

The plans — outlined to DH by senior officials from the Infrastructure Development Department (IDD), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) — come even as the state government recently picked Singapore consultancy Meinhardt EPCM to study the feasibility of all three shortlisted locations.

The locations include Chudahalli and Somanahalli (Kanakapura Road) and villages between Kunigal and Nelamangala near Tumakuru Road in the west.

The Kanakapura Road sites — located adjacent to each other — span 4,800 acres and 5,000 acres each, while the one near Nelamangala covers an area of 5,200 acres.

09/05/2025 Asra Mavad/Deccan Herald

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Chennai Airport tops TN in passenger traffic for 2025–26

Chennai International Airport has emerged as the busiest airport in Tamil Nadu, recording the highest passenger traffic during the 2025–2026 financial year, according to data released by the Airports Authority of India.

The airport handled nearly 2.30 crore passengers between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, marking a 2.7% increase compared to the previous financial year. Officials attributed this steady growth to the expansion of both domestic and international flight services, reinforcing Chennai’s position as a key aviation hub in South India.

Coimbatore International Airport ranked second in the state, handling 32.2 lakh passengers and registering a 5.2% growth. It was followed by Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which recorded 22.2 lakh passengers, driven largely by increased connectivity to Southeast Asian destinations.

Madurai Airport secured the fourth position with 13.8 lakh passengers. Meanwhile, Tuticorin Airport handled 2.90 lakh passengers, and Salem Airport recorded 1.27 lakh passengers during the same period.

09/05/2026 News Today

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Indian man criticises fellow travellers' behaviour at airport lounge, shares pics

An Indian man triggered a heated online debate about public etiquette after sharing pictures from an airport lounge showing a traveller resting his feet on a table and children repeatedly running around the workspace area, allegedly disturbing fellow travellers.

Vivek Shukla shared the pictures on X, criticising what he described as poor behaviour by some passengers inside the lounge.

The pictures showed a man seated comfortably in the lounge with both his feet propped up on a table in front of him while other travellers sat nearby. According to Shukla, lounge staff had allegedly requested him multiple times to remove his feet from the table, but he refused to comply.

Alongside the image, Shukla also shared photos of children moving in and out of a designated work area inside the lounge. He claimed the repeated movement and noise had been bothering passengers trying to work or relax in the quiet space.

“We Indians are the worst travellers,” he wrote in the caption, adding that the passenger seemed to feel “entitled” despite being asked to behave appropriately.

He further claimed that the children continuously entering and exiting the workroom were irritating other passengers, but their guardians “couldn’t be bothered.”

The post gained traction online, reigniting conversations around civic sense, travel etiquette, and behaviour in shared public spaces.

09/05/2026 India Today

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AR hands over 18.8 acres to AAI for Dimapur airport expansion

Dimapur: Assam Rifles on Friday handed over 18.8 acres, presently under occupation of Assam Rifles Training Centre and School, 3rd Mile, Chumoukedima, to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for the Phase-I expansion of Dimapur airport.

The land was handed over at an event at Dimapur airport.

08/05/2026 Bhadra Gogoi/Times of India

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Bhubaneswar airport faces wildlife menace: Authorities seek solutions to prevent bird strikes

Transport department has written to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), and the city forest division, drawing their attention to wildlife menace, particularly of birds, at Biju Patnaik International Airport, amid reports of four or five bird-hit cases a month, sources said.

Airport director Prasanna Pradhan said a team of 20 people are engaged at present exclusively for chasing the birds away, otherwise, there could have been more bird-hit cases.

With monsoon approaching, the airport authorities apprehend that more birds could be attracted as there will be growth of insects. Hence, it proposed to dismantle the bird nesting points in and around the airport.

A letter from transport department sent to the three organisations on Wednesday stated that on Nov 20 last year, a meeting was held to deliberate on the increasing incidences of wildlife hazards in and around Biju Patnaik International Airport.

“Various issues were discussed among the stakeholders of the state govt and Airports Authority of India, and the minutes of the meeting were circulated for necessary action at their end. In view of this, it is requested to review and ensure compliance with the decisions taken on Nov 20 last year at your end,” said the letter to the BMC, OUAT (which is located near airport) and the city DFO.

08/05/2026 Riyan Ramanath V/Times of India

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Kolkata airport braces for rush as Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, CMs set to land together ahead of oath-taking ceremony

In a first at Kolkata airport, the Prime Minister will land in the city along with defence minister Rajnath Singh and nearly two dozen chief ministers of various states on Saturday morning in what will mark the busiest morning for both the controllers and officials in the terminal building.

A series of meetings were held at the airport on Friday to ensure that VIP flights reached on time and exited the airport without delays. Several of them including PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, who is already in the city, will fly out later in the day.

Most of them are expected to fly in between 9 am and 9.30 am to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari.

Sources said while some VIPs may arrive by scheduled flights, several CMs may come in private aircraft.

VIPs who will arrive by scheduled aircraft on Saturday morning include Tripura CM Manik Saha, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and MP deputy CM Rajendra Shukla.

09/05/2026 Subhro Niyogi/Times of India

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Vietjet signs agreements with GMR Airports and Bird Group to strengthen India-Vietnam aviation ties

Vietjet has signed strategic cooperation agreements with GMR Airports Limited and Bird Group to enhance aviation, infrastructure, and technology collaboration between India and Vietnam. The agreements were formalised during the India-Vietnam Business Forum, held as part of the state visit by Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam.

The partnerships are expected to support broader cooperation between the two countries across aviation, logistics, infrastructure, technology, and tourism. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen economic engagement, trade relations, and people-to-people connectivity between India and Vietnam.

Under the agreement with GMR Airports Limited, Vietjet will explore opportunities to jointly develop air connectivity, airport infrastructure, logistics networks, and aviation services. The collaboration will also assess long-term investment prospects and the development of smart airport systems aimed at improving operational efficiency and capacity.

08/05/2026 ET Travel World

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New ATC Tower at Ahmedabad Airport to Be India’s Second-Tallest: Report

 Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in the city is set to get a new air traffic control (ATC) tower over 93 metres tall, which would make it the second-tallest ATC tower in India after Delhi airport’s 103-metre structure, according to a news report.

The TOI report stated that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the civil aviation ministry have approved the land allocation and design plans for the proposed tower. It is learnt that a plot behind the existing AAI office has been identified for the project. At present, Mumbai airport’s 84-metre ATC tower is the country’s second tallest.

The new ATC tower forms part of the SVPI Airport’s 2030 Development Plan, which also includes the construction of a new integrated terminal and the expansion of Terminal 1 to cater to increasing passenger traffic.

08/05/2026 Desh Gujarat

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Taxi Union complaint lands Chandigarh Airport CEO, Commercial Head in CBI net

A complaint filed by airport taxi operators has snowballed into a full-blown CBI case, ensnaring two top-ranking officials of Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) — the operating entity behind Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali — for alleged extortion, criminal conspiracy, and demand of undue advantage as public servants.

The CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Chandigarh, has registered an FIR against Rakesh Ranjan Sahay, Joint General Manager (ATM) and then Chief Executive Officer of CHIAL, and Amrit Garg, Assistant General Manager (Commercial) and then Head of Department (Commercial) at CHIAL.

The FIR, registered under Section 120-B IPC (criminal conspiracy) read with Section 386 IPC (extortion) and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), accuses the two officers of causing “mental, physical and financial harassment” to members of the Airport Taxi Union through extortion and blackmailing, and of showing undue favouritism towards a particular licensee — M/s Nanuan’s.

The alleged offences date back to 2021 and continued thereafter. The case has been entrusted to Prakash Chand, DSP, CBI, ACB, Chandigarh, for investigation.

The formal CBI complaint was lodged by Maya Lavania, Executive Director (Administration), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi — acting on behalf of the apex aviation body after an exhaustive internal process.

08/05/2026 Nitin Jain/Tribune

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Jewar Airport Flights Costlier Than Delhi IGI? Passengers Shocked By IndiGo’s Initial Fares

Commercial flight operations from Noida International Airport, popularly known as Jewar Airport, are set to begin on June 15, 2026, with IndiGo launching services from the newly developed aviation hub in Greater Noida. However, even before operations officially begin, the airport is drawing attention for an unexpected reason: ticket prices from Jewar are currently higher on several major routes compared to fares from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

The pricing difference has surprised many travellers because the airport was initially promoted as a more affordable alternative for passengers in Delhi-NCR.

According to fare listings available on IndiGo’s booking platform, ticket prices from Noida International Airport are exceeding fares from Delhi’s IGI Airport on multiple domestic routes.

The sharpest difference has been observed on the Lucknow route. A ticket from Jewar Airport to Lucknow is currently priced at around Rs 5,401, while the same journey from IGI Airport costs nearly Rs 3,394, a difference of more than Rs 2,000 per passenger.

Similar differences are visible on other routes as well:

Bengaluru: Around Rs 8,979 from Jewar compared to Rs 8,910 from IGI

Hyderabad: Approximately Rs 6,198 from Jewar and Rs 6,129 from IGI

Navi Mumbai: Nearly Rs 7,256 from Jewar versus Rs 6,760 from IGI

For flights to Mumbai on June 15, the average airfare from Jewar is reported to be around Rs 7,026. In comparison, fares from Hindon Airport stand at approximately Rs 6,760, while flights from IGI Airport are available for about Rs 6,999.

08/05/2026 Parishmita Saikia/News18

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Sun Group, GMR Group sign deal to expand Vietnam-India aviation, tourism ties

During Party General Secretary and President To Lam's state visit to India, Sun Group signed a memorandum of understanding with GMR Group, one of the world's major airport operators, to strengthen aviation and tourism cooperation between Vietnam and India.

The signing ceremony took place in Mumbai on May 7 in the presence of senior officials from both countries.

As bilateral trade has doubled over the past decade following the elevation of Vietnam -India relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, air connectivity has also expanded rapidly, with nearly 90 weekly flights currently operating between the two countries.

Under the agreement, Sun Group and GMR Group will cooperate across Sun Group's airport ecosystem in Vietnam, including airports in Phu Quoc, Van Don, and Phan Thiet, as well as future airport projects.

The partnership will focus on airport operations, development, and investment, including commercial aviation services, non-aeronautical operations, and duty-free retail. Both sides said the framework also allows for future expansion into related aviation infrastructure sectors.

The companies will additionally explore opportunities to strengthen air connectivity between Vietnam and India, including potential new routes linking Phu Quoc with airports across GMR Group's network.

07/05/2026 Dan Minh/VN Express

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Iran conflict drives sharp divergence between China and India airport traffic recovery

March traffic data has revealed a growing divide in Asia’s aviation recovery, with China’s major international airports continuing to expand while India’s key gateways suffered significant declines following disruption caused by the Iran conflict.

According to the latest Air4casts Travel Retail Brief, the fallout from US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on 28 February exposed the differing levels of dependence on Gulf air corridors across the region, with India among the hardest hit.

The strikes triggered widespread disruption across Gulf aviation hubs, forcing airspace closures and resulting in more than 21,000 cancelled flights across seven major airports in the first four days alone. However, the March traffic figures suggest the longer-term impact has been far more severe for markets heavily reliant on Middle East connectivity.

India’s leading international airports recorded year-on-year passenger declines ranging from marginal decreases to almost 25%, while China’s top five hubs all posted growth, several at double-digit rates.

The report highlighted India’s deep structural reliance on Gulf routes. According to IATA data, the United Arab Emirates accounted for almost 20% of all international origin-and-destination traffic to and from India in 2024, equivalent to 7.6 million passenger journeys, while Saudi Arabia represented a further 9%.

OAG figures for March 2026 showed that 27% of India’s international seat capacity was concentrated on UAE routes, with Mumbai–Dubai remaining the country’s busiest international connection at 237,000 monthly seats.

07/05/2026 DFNI Frontier

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Pune airport’s international flyers and connections drop, immediate revival unlikely

 Pune: After recording a 35% rise in international passenger traffic in the 2025-26 financial year compared to the previous fiscal, the city airport is now bracing for a slowdown. The ongoing West Asia crisis and rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices are expected to significantly impact international travel from the city.

The effects are already visible, with the number of direct international flights dropping to three from six earlier. Airport director Santosh Dhoke acknowledged the situation, noting that while operations at Dubai were gradually normalising, airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express were yet to resume services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Currently, only SpiceJet's Dubai flight remains operational.

"The airport has sufficient slots to accommodate more international flights and discussions with airlines are ongoing. However, the final decision rests with the carriers, who are closely assessing the geopolitical and economic environment before committing to routes. We are hopeful the situation will improve and more international flights will return," he said.

In 2025-26, Pune airport handled 3.39 lakh international passengers, up from 2.52 lakh the previous year – a growth far higher than domestic traffic, which rose by about 4.5%. Until last year, Pune had six international routes: two to Dubai, and one each to Abu Dhabi, Singapore and two to Bangkok. However, Air India suspended its Singapore flight in June 2025, while IndiGo and Air India Express halted services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi more recently due to the West Asia conflict.

With Air India Express and IndiGo not answering when they planned to resume the flights, airport officials remained cautious. SpiceJet's Dubai service, once consistently full, has also been affected, including a cancellation on May 4 following airspace disruptions in the UAE. 

07/05/2026 Joy Sengupta/Times of India

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India's Mumbai airport to halt all flights for 6 hours on May 7

 Flights at Mumbai international airport will be suspended for six hours on Thursday, May 7, 2026, as runways will be closed for pre-monsoon maintenance, it was announced on Wednesday.

The scheduled shutdown will be between 11am and 5pm as the primary and secondary runways will be closed to air traffic. It is part of the airport’s comprehensive monsoon contingency plan.

The airport, one of the busiest single-runway operation hubs, manages more than 1,000 air traffic movements daily.

The airport advised passengers to check their flight status with their airline apps or with the official CSMIA (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) website for updates, as no landings or takeoffs will take place during these hours. It also asked airlines to adjust their schedules.

Pre-monsoon maintenance shutdowns are done every year a few weeks before the onset of the southwest monsoons in Mumbai to ensure runway safety and smooth operations during the rainy season.

Similarly, a post-monsoon maintenance is undertaken in October-November, when runways are checked for degradation following the rains.

The airside infrastructure of Mumbai airport covers 1,033 acres. Experts inspect runway surfaces for wear and tear, and take preventive measures for safe landings and takeoffs during the heavy monsoon months.

06/05/2026 Nithin Belle/Khaleej Times

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Consultant hunt begins for Raxaul airport upgrade

Patna: The govt has floated a tender to select an engineering consultancy service (ECS) firm for the redevelopment of Raxaul airport, located along the India-Nepal border in East Champaran district, as part of its push to strengthen state’s civil aviation sector.

The reconstruction of the airport is expected to be completed by June 2028. CM Samrat Choudhary said on Wednesday that the tender process for selecting the ECS firm is already underway.

“An important step has been taken to provide national and international connectivity to border areas. The Raxaul airport project will make air travel smoother in the Champaran region and boost trade, tourism and the local economy,” the CM said in a social media post.

The selected ECS firm will oversee construction related to the runway, apron, taxiway and other airside infrastructure.

“Spurred by the double-engine govt, Bihar is ready to touch new heights of development,” he added.

06/05/2026 Abhay Singh/Times of India

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Centre approves Shillong airport runway upgrade to boost tourism in Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on May 6 said the Centre has awarded the contract for expansion of the runway at Shillong Airport, a move expected to significantly improve air connectivity and strengthen the state’s tourism sector.

Speaking at the Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya programme at Orchid Lake Resort, Sangma said the runway expansion project is likely to be completed within 15 months and will allow larger aircraft to operate from Shillong.

Calling the development a “game-changer” for tourism, the chief minister said better connectivity was essential for Meghalaya to emerge as a preferred destination for both domestic and international travellers. He said improved transport infrastructure would not only increase tourist footfall but also support local businesses and employment generation linked to the sector.

The programme, organised by the state tourism department, brought together tourism entrepreneurs, artisans, students, village leaders, homestay operators and community representatives from across Meghalaya.

Sangma stressed that tourism growth depends on coordination among all stakeholders, including the government, transport operators, hospitality businesses and local communities. He said Meghalaya’s tourism strategy was focused on building a complete ecosystem that ensures visitors have safe, convenient and memorable experiences.

Referring to the state’s broader tourism push, the chief minister said several large projects are under development, including the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Rain Museum at Mawsynram, the Living Root Bridge Museum, and tourism infrastructure projects in Sohra, Mandalgre and Siju.

06/05/2026 India TodayNE

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Sudden hailstorm brings Delhi airport to a crawl, with over 500 delays, multiple diversions

Air traffic at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was thrown into disarray on Tuesday after a sudden spell of heavy rain and hail swept across parts of the city, leading to widespread delays, diversions and cancellations. The disruption was compounded by cancellations linked to developments in West Asia, affecting several scheduled flights.

Parts of the city, including Dwarka, Palam and Najafgarh, experienced showers accompanied by hail after noon. The conditions led to operational challenges at the airport, with gusty winds affecting aircraft movement.

Data showed that more than 500 flights, both arrivals and departures, were delayed, with an average delay of around 30 minutes. At least 10 flights were cancelled and five diverted to nearby airports.

Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 reflected the scale of disruption, showing delays across several services during the day.

In addition to weather-related delays, cancellations were also reported for flights to and from West Asia following a recent drone-linked attack in the region.

06/05/2026 First Post

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KKCCI welcomes ₹28.47 crore State support for air connectivity

The Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI), Kalaburagi, has welcomed the State government’s decision to extend Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ₹28.47 crore for the proposed Kalaburagi-Bengaluru air service through Star Air, while seeking early commencement of operations and inclusion of the region under the next phase of the regional connectivity scheme.

KKCCI president Sharanabasappa Pappa, in a release here on Monday, stated that the move is a “positive and timely intervention” aimed at restoring air connectivity to Kalaburagi, where flight services have remained suspended since October 15, 2025, affecting passengers, industry stakeholders and the business community.

KKCCI said that it has been consistently pursuing the issue with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and has submitted representations seeking restoration of services and greater airline participation in regional connectivity initiatives.

Noting that operations on the Kalaburagi-Bengaluru route are yet to begin despite the announcement of VGF support, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged Star Air to commence services at the earliest and ensure convenient schedules for passengers.

It also called for affordable fares, suggesting that ticket prices be kept within an upper limit of ₹5,000, given that the operations are supported through State funding and are intended to serve public interest.

Referring to the upcoming Modified UDAN (UDAN 2.0) scheme, announced on March 25, 2026, Mr. Pappa said that the KKCCI has written to the Civil Aviation Ministry and airlines seeking participation in the forthcoming bidding process.

04/05/2026 The Hindu

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Dubai International Airport ramps up capacity as airspace reopens, India remains top market

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is now scaling up operations following the full restoration of UAE airspace.

Since the disruption began on February 28, 2026, and intensified through March, DXB remained operational despite significant constraints, handling 6 million passengers, over 32,000 aircraft movements and 213,000 tonnes of cargo as of April 30, 2026.

Operations were managed under continuously evolving conditions, with schedules, passenger flows and ground handling aligned to available airspace. Coordinated decision-making across the airport ecosystem enabled continuity of safe and efficient services during the period.

With restrictions lifted, Dubai Airports has now entered a recovery phase, progressively increasing flight movements in line with regional routing capacity. Airlines are gradually restoring schedules, supported by ongoing coordination across neighbouring airspace.

Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, said, “The extraordinary events of the past few weeks are unprecedented for any major airport hub such as DXB. International transfer traffic through the Middle East region accounts for a major share of the global air travel market, with 22.4 million annual passenger journeys flowing through DXB, representing one third of the transfer traffic across the region’s hubs.  Maintaining the smooth operation of DXB is therefore critical to keep global journeys moving. Our focus has been on keeping operations safe and consistent for our customers through close coordination and rapid decision-making across the entire airport community and beyond, while ensuring the system remains ready to respond swiftly as conditions improve.

04/05/2026 Travel Trade Journal

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SWELECT commissions 5 MW PV plant for Chennai Airport

SWELECT Energy Systems, an India-based energy company, has commissioned a 5 MW power plant in Tamil Nadu for the AAI project. The deployment is located in Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu and is connected to the Sirungattur 110/33-11 KV TANTRANSCO SS at a listed 110 KV voltage level. Power from the plant will be supplied to the Airport Authority of India for Chennai Airport operations. The arrangement uses a Third Party Power Sale model through Intra State Open Access within Tamil Nadu. With this commissioning, SWELECT Energy Systems has completed 10 MW of total capacity for the AAI project. Project metrics list the Airport Authority of India as the client, Chennai Airport as the end user, and 5 MW as the current commissioning capacity.

04/05/2026 Karthik Srivasthav G/Solarbytes

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AISATS partners Samsung SDS for 255,000-tonne cargo hub at Noida airport

Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with Samsung Data Systems India Private Limited to streamline cargo movement from Samsung’s Noida manufacturing facility through the Multi Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport. The partnership is aimed at improving export efficiency for high-value electronics by reducing transit time and strengthening supply chain reliability.

The collaboration comes at a time when Noida has emerged as a major electronics manufacturing cluster, producing smartphones, tablets, and related devices. By leveraging the proximity between Samsung’s plant and the cargo hub, the partnership is expected to enable faster throughput and improved access to global markets. Samsung SDS will integrate its logistics capabilities to support seamless movement and digital visibility across the export chain.

India’s electronics exports have seen significant growth, reaching around USD 47 billion in calendar year 2025. Mobile phone shipments continue to lead this growth, reinforcing the need for efficient and scalable logistics infrastructure. The agreement is positioned to support this trajectory by providing a structured export pathway for time-sensitive cargo.

04/05/2026 Manufacturing Today

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Greater Noida Plans Electric-Bus Network to Feed Upcoming Noida International Airport

With commercial flights from the green-field Noida International Airport (Jewar) due to start on 15 June, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has approved a six-month pilot of 15 electric buses on four feeder routes linking key residential and business hubs to the terminal. The service, announced in the early hours of 4 May, will cost ₹1.8 crore and be operated by Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. The first three routes originate at Gaur Chowk, Surajpur and Makoda roundabout, while the fourth begins in Sector 16. Buses will run every 30–60 minutes, with frequencies adjusted after load-factor analysis. Hydrogen-powered buses are also on the horizon for the high-demand Pari Chowk corridor, and UP Roadways has committed to inter-city links to Dehradun, Haridwar, Gurgaon and Delhi rail hubs. For corporate travel managers the initiative is significant: Jewar sits nearly 70 km from Delhi’s central business districts, and reliable public transport is essential to keep total trip costs competitive with legacy Indira Gandhi International Airport. Electric fleets also help firms hit ESG targets by reducing Scope 3 emissions—important for multinationals reporting under EU CSRD rules from 2026.

For international executives arriving via Jewar, securing the right travel documents in advance is just as crucial as arranging ground transport. VisaHQ’s India platform (https://www.visahq.com/india/) lets companies and individual flyers handle visa applications online, track progress in real time and tap dedicated support—minimising pre-trip friction and complementing the cost and ESG efficiencies of the new electric-bus links.

05/05/2025 VisaHQ

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IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express to start Noida International Airport operations from June 15

IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express are set to begin their airline operations from the Noida International Airport (NIA) from Monday, June 15, as the long-awaited greenfield aviation project based in Uttar Pradesh finally eyes commercial operations.

In a statement, the Noida airport operator, Yamuna International Airport Pvt. Ltd disclosed that India’s largest airline, IndiGo, will be the operating the first flight out of the airport in Jewar, followed by Akasa Air and Air India Express.

From June 15, the Noida International Airport will carry out passenger, airline, and cargo operations in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the North India region.

According to the official announcement, the airport is set to connect the greater Delhi area and Western Uttar Pradesh with other cities in India and the world.

A PTI report citing the Noida International Airport’s nodal officer for the UP government, Shailendra Bhatia, said that the international airport operations are expected to begin soon after the terminal executes domestic and cargo service operations.

The official also said that the international airport operations are expected to get finalised around Diwali this year, as both domestic and cargo services get streamlined.

04/05/2026 Anubhav Mukherjee/Upstox

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Noida International Airport set to open for passengers from June 15

Noida International Airport (NIA) announced that commercial flight operations at the airport will commence from June 2026, opening a new gateway for passengers, airlines, and cargo operators in the National Capital Region and North India.

The start of services follows the inauguration of the airport by the Prime Minister and the receipt of approval for the Aerodrome Security Program (ASP) from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, which confirms that the airport’s security framework, systems and operating procedures are in place in line with regulatory requirements, ahead of the launch of commercial services.

IndiGo will operate the first flight from Noida International Airport, marking the start of scheduled passenger services, followed shortly by Akasa Air and Air India Express.

04/05/2026 Travel Trends Today

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Hisar airport eyes expansion with new destinations

A year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first commercial flight from Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, the airport is preparing to add two more destinations to its growing network.

Since the launch of operations on April 13, 2025, flights from Hisar have operated to Ayodhya and New Delhi. Services to Jaipur and Chandigarh were added later in September by the Haryana Chief Minister. In the past year, the airport has handled over 1,000 flights across these four destinations.

Airport Director OP Saini described the first year as successful and said expansion plans are already underway. He informed that flights to Jammu and Ahmedabad are likely to begin from May this year.

Highlighting recent upgrades, Saini said the airport has introduced non-precision runway visual range (RVR) facilities from April 16, enabling aircraft to land with visibility of up to 1,800 metres.

“One of the major development in one year is the grant of instrument flight rules (IFR) licence to the airport that allows the airport to operate flight operations in low visibility or night landing,” Saini said, adding that earlier operations were limited to visual flight rules (VFR). With the new system in place, the airport can now support round-the-clock operations.

04/05/2026 Deepender Deswal/Tribune

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Flights from Gondia discontinued amid operational halt

Commercial flight operations from Birsi Airport in Gondia, the hometown and constituency of former civil aviation minister Praful Patel, have been suspended after both airlines operating from the airport halted services until further notice.

Sources said rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices are affecting air connectivity to smaller cities like Gondia. Airlines across the country have reportedly raised concerns with the government over increasing fuel costs, and aviation officials warned that more such suspensions cannot be ruled out.

Until recently, IndiGo operated flights between Gondia and Hyderabad, while Star Air connected the city with Indore. Both airlines cited “operational reasons” for discontinuing the services.

Officials said the flights were receiving good passenger response and often operated at full capacity. However, a decision on restarting services is now expected only in the next flight schedule.

Birsi Airport began operations in 2009 and primarily served the National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), a joint venture between CAE Inc. and Airports Authority of India. Commercial flight operations from the airport started only in 2023.

04/05/2026 Live Nagpur

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Surat Airport Left Without International Flights as Air India Express Drops Bangkok Route

Surat: Surat International Airport currently has no direct international flights after Air India Express abruptly discontinued its Surat–Bangkok service from May 1, dealing a fresh blow to the city’s global connectivity ambitions.

The airline had initially planned to suspend the service from July 1, 2026, but the early withdrawal has resulted in a complete halt of international operations from the airport in the ongoing summer schedule.

The decision comes despite strong passenger demand on the route. According to airport data, over 7,000 passengers travelled on the Surat–Bangkok sector in March 2026, reflecting an average load factor of around 85%. However, the airline cited the route as “unprofitable” while discontinuing the service.

The Surat–Bangkok flight operated four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—departing Surat at 10:50 am and arriving in Bangkok at 5:10 pm.

Industry stakeholders said this is not an isolated case, noting that several international routes from Surat have been suspended in recent years. Air India Express had launched flights to Sharjah in February 2019, which were discontinued in March 2026 due to low revenue. Similarly, services to Dubai by Air India Express and IndiGo, launched in December 2023 and February 2024 respectively, were also suspended shortly after, reportedly due to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

Sanjay Jain, a member of the WWWAS (We Work for Working Airport at Surat) group, said that despite Surat being granted international airport status, flights to key destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, and Sharjah are currently not operational, with airlines citing financial losses.

03/05/2026 DeshGujarat

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Work on night-landing facility at Shivamogga airport reviewed

Shivamogga: Nanjayyana Hiremath, chairman of Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), conducted a progress review of the night-landing facility at Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport here on Saturday, setting a deadline for the project's completion.

Addressing officials and contractors during the inspection, Hiremath directed that all pending works must be finished by the first week of June, ahead of his follow-up visit scheduled for June 7-8.

Amid public concern over the suspension of flights by IndiGo, the chairman clarified that the airline's decision has no connection to the ongoing night-landing infrastructure project. "The night-landing facility is being fully funded by the state govt. IndiGo's service suspension is primarily due to a shortage of pilots and operational constraints within the airline, which operates under central regulations," Hiremath explained.

He added that the state is in talks with IndiGo and several other airlines to restore and expand flight connectivity to Shivamogga once the technical upgrades are complete.

03/05/2026 Times of India

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Noida International Airport set for June 15 take-off: What travellers should expect from Delhi-NCR’s newest aviation hub

Good news for Delhi-NCR people! In a major update, Noida International Airport (NIA) or Jewar Airport is all set to take off this 15 June. It is being called as a game changer in India’s aviation sector. It is expected the launch of the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar will ease the pressure on the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. It was a long-awaited milestone for the National Capital Region (NCR) which will transform regional connectivity. The new airport, a modern greenfield aviation hub, is expected to improve passenger movement, cargo handling, and add to travel convenience for millions living across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and western Uttar Pradesh.

Noida International Airport took to X and made the announcement. It wrote,

"A major milestone in the journey of Noida International Airport.

We are pleased to announce that #NIAirport will commence commercial flight operations from 15th June 2026, opening a new gateway for passengers, airlines and cargo operators in the National Capital Region and North India. @IndiGo6E will operate the first flight, followed shortly by @AkasaAir and @AirIndiaX. We look forward to welcoming our first passengers soon!"

The launch of Noida airport will offer an alternative departure and arrival point for travellers in the NCR. Built in Jewar, the airport is strategically placed to serve not just Delhi but also fast-growing urban clusters in Uttar Pradesh. For travellers in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida, it could dramatically cut travel time to the airport. In its early phase, the airport will manage some 12 million passengers every year. There are plans to scale up capacity to 70 million passengers in the future.

As per updates, IndiGo will operate the first and inaugural flight on June 15. Other carriers Akasa Air and Air India Express are also expected to begin operations soon. Initially, travellers should expect mostly domestic routes, with international operations likely to follow in. However, detailed schedules, destinations, and ticket bookings are yet to be fully announced.

02/05/2026 Times Entertainment

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Gold sweep for Mangaluru airport at quality conclave

Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport secured three gold awards at the 9th Conclave on Poka Yoke, Jidoka, and SMED organised by the Quality Circle Forum of India, Bengaluru Chapter. In collaboration with Updater Services Ltd (UDS), airport teams presented multiple process-improvement solutions based on the Poka-Yoke principle. A team led by Sajith E.V. and Vijayalakshmi demonstrated a remote-controlled hazard-prevention device designed for high-mast maintenance, earning a gold award.

Another UDS team comprising Kiran Kumar and Manjunatha showcased a PLC-based water level monitoring system aimed at improving precision and operational reliability. The airport’s Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) department, represented by Ippsita Choudhury and Siddharth Ojha, also received a gold award for implementing Poka-Yoke solutions in operations and maintenance to minimise human error and reduce congestion and downtime in airside activities. 

02/05/2026 Hans India

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Mysuru airport expands regional connectivity with daily flights to Hyderabad

Mysuru: Mysuru Airport launched a new direct daily flight service connecting Hyderabad and Mysuru on Friday, marking the expansion in regional connectivity under the Summer schedule 2026.

The revised domestic summer schedule will be effective from May 1 to October 24. The new flight-ATR 72 aircraft will depart from Hyderabad at 12:10 pm and reach Mysuru at 2 pm. It departs from Mysuru at 2:20 pm and will arrive at Hyderabad at 4 pm. 

Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLA G T Devegowda took part in the inaugural celebration, along with Mysuru Airport Director P V Usha Kumari. They handed over boarding passes to the first passengers of the inaugural flight.

02/05/2026 Shilpa P/Deccan herald

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IndiGo flight aborts take-off in Lucknow after monkeys spotted on runway

Lucknow: An IndiGo flight bound for Raipur aborted take-off at Lucknow airport after a group of monkeys was spotted crossing the runway, airport sources said on Friday.

According to airport sources, flight 6E 6521, with around 150 passengers on board, had begun its take-off roll and was about 20-30 per cent down the runway at around 9 am on Thursday when the pilots noticed monkeys moving across.

The pilots immediately aborted the take-off and informed air traffic control, following which the aircraft returned and later departed about an hour later after refuelling.

A significant amount of fuel was consumed during the aborted take-off, necessitating refuelling and causing delays to the flight, besides affecting the departure schedule of some other flights.

Airport sources further said that about 10 minutes before the incident, an Air India Express flight that had landed at the airport had alerted authorities about the presence of monkeys near the runway.

Soon after the information was received, the IndiGo flight was scheduled for departure but had to abort take-off due to the animals on the runway, they said.

Following the incident, the airport’s wildlife management team acted as per standard operating procedures and cleared the runway, after which flight operations resumed normally.

01/05/2026 PTI/Telangana Today

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