Airlines / Aviation
IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft's tail touches runway at Chennai airport during landing
An IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft experienced a tail strike during landing at Chennai airport on March 8. The aircraft is currently grounded for repairs. IndiGo prioritizes safety and apologizes for any inconvenience caused. The DGCA had previously fined IndiGo for similar incidents due to deficiencies in training and engineering procedures.
Global travel SaaS biggie seeks to spread wings in India, sets sights on airline loyalty programmes
IBS Software, a SaaS provider in the global travel sector, plans to expand its footprint in India's airline and loyalty program markets. The firm, already working with Air India, seeks to collaborate with IndiGo and Akasa Air, focusing on value differentiation amid the price-sensitive Indian market.
Get ready, Bhubaneswar! Air India Express will connect the city to Hindon
Air India Express is set to introduce flight services between Hindon and Bhubaneswar starting March 30. This new route marks the eighth addition from Hindon this month, expanding its domestic network under the Centre’s UDAN scheme, which aims to enhance connectivity and boost tourism and trade.
Fresh trouble for SpiceJet as 3 aircraft lessors, former pilot file insolvency pleas
SpiceJet is facing insolvency pleas from three Ireland-based aircraft lessors and a former pilot due to alleged defaults totaling USD 12.68 million. The airline, supported by its legal counsel, is seeking time to resolve these matters, with hearings scheduled for April 2025.
GMR Airports hikes stake in Delhi airport operator DIAL to 74 pc
GMR Airports Ltd has increased its stake in Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) to 74% after acquiring a 10% share from Germany's Fraport for USD 126 million. The acquisition is part of GMR Group's strategy to consolidate its presence in core assets. The Airports Authority of India holds the remaining 26%.
IndiGo announces direct flight between Tiruchirappalli-Jaffna from March 30
IndiGo will launch direct flights from Tiruchirappalli to Jaffna starting March 30, 2025, catering to increasing travel demands. This new route aims to enhance connectivity, enrich cultural exchange, and drive economic growth between South India and Sri Lanka. With over 60 weekly flights to Sri Lanka, IndiGo continues to offer accessibility, affordability, and convenience.
IndiGo becomes first airline to offer flights between Tiruchirappalli and Sri Lanka's Jaffna
IndiGo announces daily direct flights between Tiruchirappalli and Jaffna starting March 30, enhancing connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Northern Sri Lanka. This new route expands the airline's presence in Sri Lanka, complementing its Chennai-Jaffna service. Tickets can be booked on IndiGo's website and app, with flights departing at convenient times for travelers.
Noida International Airport launch likely to be delayed again
Noida International Airport's launch will be delayed past April due to incomplete terminal construction. The project was initially set for October 2024. Various clearances from authorities like DGCA and BCAS are still pending. A decision on the operational timeline is expected in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on March 10.
Blackstone looks to return to Trans Maldivian cockpit as lenders look to exit
Blackstone is nearing a deal to reacquire Trans Maldivian Airways, eight years after selling it to a Bain Capital-led consortium. The airline, facing significant challenges due to the pandemic, is now under new lender control and may see Blackstone return as the primary owner amidst a recovery in leisure travel demand.
IndiGo to start direct long-haul flights to Manchester, Amsterdam from July
IndiGo will begin non-stop long-haul flights to Manchester and Amsterdam using leased Boeing 787-9 planes from July this year. The expansion aims to make India a global aviation hub by 2030. With additional aircraft arrivals, the airline plans to further grow its long-haul market in Europe.
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Air India's ZipAhead service to offer priority check-in to Economy Class passengers; Check details
Air India introduces 'ZipAhead,' a paid service offering priority check-in and baggage handling for Economy Class passengers on domestic flights. Available at six major airports, the service can be purchased for Rs 499 in advance or Rs 699 within six hours of departure. Complimentary for Maharaja Club loyalty members.
Air India fires trainer pilot after whistleblower tip-off; grounds 10 pilots as precaution
A whistleblower has exposed critical lapses in a trainer pilot's duties at Air India, leading to his termination. Ten pilots trained by him are temporarily grounded, as Air India prioritizes safety and reports the issue to the DGCA. The airline reinforces its ethical standards under Tata Group oversight.
Adani's $2.1 bn Navi Mumbai Airport draws IndiGo, SpiceJet
India's low-cost carriers, including IndiGo, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa, plan to shift operations to Navi Mumbai Airport, targeting a May opening. However, challenges persist due to the lack of high-speed transportation links between the new and existing airports in Mumbai.
Delhi HC strikes down IGST on reimported aircraft parts, relief for airlines
The Delhi High Court declared the levy of IGST on reimported aircraft engines and parts after overseas repairs unconstitutional. The court invalidated the 2021 customs exemption notification imposing additional IGST and cess, stating it was ultra vires. This is a significant relief for companies like IndiGo that repair their aircraft parts abroad.
High-flyers of Wall Street circle over Adani airports : Blackrock, Citadel in talks with Gautam Adani for $750 mn debt
BlackRock and Citadel are in discussions to acquire $750 million of Adani Group's debt for refinancing purposes. Meanwhile, Apollo Global Management is expected to maintain a portion of its existing exposure. Despite Citadel's denial, negotiations with BlackRock and other potential investors continue.
Air India to operate 4 times weekly flights from Delhi to Haneda Airport
Air India will move its Delhi flights to Tokyo's Haneda Airport from Narita starting March 31, 2025, offering quicker access to central Tokyo. This shift, along with an expanded codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways, provides enhanced connectivity for travelers between India and Japan, boosting trade and tourism between the two countries.
