2026

India, 05 October 2026: Air India Express has announced its Winter Schedule 2026, marking its largest winter network yet and further strengthening connectivity across India and key international destinations. Effective 25 October 2026, the schedule will be rolled out in phases, taking the airline’s operations to around 585 daily flights, including approximately 435 domestic and up to 150 international departures. The expanded schedule reinforces the airline’s growing presence across its key hubs, supported by an expanding fleet of over 105 aircraft and enhanced capacity across both domestic and international markets. Designed to offer guests greater choice and convenience, the network expansion reflects Air India Express’ continued focus on creating meaningful connections between people, places, and cultures. Commenting on the Winter schedule 2026, Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman, Air India Express said, “The scale of our Winter Schedule 2026 reflects both our confidence in India’s growth story and the increasing importance of air connectivity in supporting trade, tourism, and economic development. As a leading value carrier, Air India Express is focused on making travel more accessible, convenient, and comfortable by strengthening connectivity across metros, emerging cities, and underserved markets. Even as the industry navigates elevated fuel costs and broader operating challenges, we remain committed to disciplined, sustainable growth and delivering meaningful value to our guests through a relevant network and the warmth of Indian hospitality.” In this Winter, the airline will launch more than 40 new routes across domestic and international markets, significantly enhancing network depth and travel flexibility. The scale of Air India Express operations is set to increase from about 3,150 weekly flights in the Summer 2026 schedule to nearly 4,100 weekly flights in the Winter 2026 schedule, while one-stop connectivity will expand from about 1,330 weekly connections to nearly 1,600, enabling more seamless travel across the airline’s expansive network.

Mumbai, 03 October 2026: Adani Airport Holdings Limited-operated Mumbai International Airport Limited will begin redevelopment of the North Section of Terminal 1B. Safety concerns regarding the 60-year-old building have prompted phased redevelopment of the said terminal. Of Mumbai airport’s approximately 55 million passengers per annum, only around 5 mppa will be temporarily deoperationalised. To ensure continuity of operations and minimise inconvenience to passengers, AAHL has provided airlines with the option to temporarily relocate their operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport at their discretion. AAHL will support airlines through this transition and will provide all necessary assistance to ensure a smooth and seamless migration of services. “91% of Mumbai Airport’s passenger traffic will remain unaffected even as we undertake redevelopment of the age-old infrastructure that was in urgent need of repairs. Only the North Section of Terminal 1B, which accounts for around one-third of T1 of Mumbai Airport’s capacity, is being demolished in Phase 1 to minimise passenger inconvenience and operational disruption. The transition to Navi Mumbai Airport is temporary and does not represent a permanent shift of Mumbai Airport traffic,” said Mr. Arun Bansal, CEO, Adani Airport Holdings Limited. Terminal 1 has long been identified as a safety-related concern, with only temporary mitigation measures being implemented over the years due to the absence of a viable alternative for passengers and airlines. Following the fire incident at Terminal 1 in April this year, the risks associated with continuing operations have become even more pronounced. With Navi Mumbai International Airport now operational and capable of providing an alternative option for airlines and travellers, the planned closure and phased demolition of Terminal 1 can no longer be deferred. T1 redevelopment will begin from January 2027 which will increase its capacity by 33% – up to 20 mppa from current 15 mppa. “Extensive consultations with airlines on the future of Terminal 1 have been ongoing since 2020, and the proposed redevelopment was also presented before AERA and subsequently incorporated into the approved tariff framework. While we appreciate the concerns expressed by certain airlines, passenger safety must remain paramount, and any further delay in commencing this process could adversely impact the safety and convenience of millions of travellers,” Mr Bansal said. Navi Mumbai Airport is offering a 100% discount on landing fees for new international flights. In addition, it plans to offer cash vouchers to international passengers to offset the difference in the User Development Fee levied at Navi Mumbai and Mumbai Airports. Navi Mumbai International Airport is a modern, fully equipped airport and has the infrastructure and capacity to handle the additional passenger traffic that would be transitioned from Mumbai Airport. “Its availability makes it possible to undertake the redevelopment of T1 of Mumbai Airport in phases, instead of shutting down the entire terminal and causing greater disruption to passengers and airlines,” Mr Bansal said. Mumbai Airport and Navi Mumbai Airport are complementary airports addressing the severely constrained aviation infrastructure requirements of India’s commercial capital region.

New Delhi, 30th September 2026: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has promulgated a new Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), Section 7, Series B, Part XXI, titled “Ground and Flying Training Syllabus for Issue of Pilot Licence for Gyroplanes.” The CAR prescribes the ground and flying training syllabus for candidates seeking a DGCA pilot licence in the gyroplane category. Gyroplanes are a unique category of aircraft that use a freely rotating rotor system to generate lift, while forward thrust is provided by a propeller. Their operational capabilities make them suitable for joyrides, air experience flights and aerial work activities such as agricultural spraying, banner towing, surveillance and survey operations. The promulgation of this CAR is an initial step towards facilitating the introduction and operationalisation of gyroplanes in India. Further measures, including the establishment of training organisations and development of manufacturing and assembly capabilities, will support the growth of this emerging segment of civil aviation. (Courtesy: PIB)

Singapore, 29th September 2026: Singapore Airlines (SIA) is enhancing its in-flight dining experience with new and refreshed menus, refined beverage offerings, custom-designed serviceware, and distinctive presentation and service touches for selected dishes in Suites and First Class. This is one pillar of SIA’s broader investment in its end-to-end travel experience, alongside next-generation cabin products and KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system, new amenities, high-speed connectivity, and on-ground services. This elevated travel experience will be unveiled in Singapore in November 2026. Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “At Singapore Airlines, in-flight dining is about much more than the meal itself. Guided by customer feedback, evolving preferences and emerging dining trends, we have reviewed every aspect of the experience – from menu design, seasonal ingredients, and cooking techniques to beverage selection, presentation, and cabin crew service. The result is a combination of thoughtfully crafted dishes, carefully curated beverages, elegant serviceware, and thoughtful touches that make dining on board more memorable for our customers.” The enhanced experience includes more than 100 new and refreshed appetisers, main courses, and desserts that are being introduced across all cabin classes under SIA Chefs’ Selection. This is a new in-flight menu category developed by the Airline’s in-house and guest chefs, in collaboration with its catering partners, and it brings together comforting and familiar flavours, regional favourites, reimagined classics, and new culinary creations. SIA is also introducing new wine labels for Suites, First Class, and Business Class, and new spirits options across all cabin classes, giving customers greater choice. In Suites, First Class, and Business Class, meals will be served on new custom-designed serviceware, created in collaboration with Christofle, the French luxury tableware maison. The serviceware incorporates a subtle interpretation of SIA’s signature batik motif. The Airline has begun to progressively roll out the new dishes, while the remaining dining enhancements, including new beverages, serviceware, and onboard service touches, will be introduced from November 2026.